To Grandmother's House Once More

While saving Amaranth is important, first I need to see my grandmother, granted I was not expecting Luna and Roan to tag along, or Fie for that matter, he returned the moment we entered the forest. I do wonder how she'll react to meeting members of her old court.

The moment I spot Bin Bin curled up into a ball I rush over and hug the massive wolf. They're all still alive. Bin Bin startled at our interaction shifting back into his human form. He taps my head as if trying to see, what screws come loose.

Ignoring him I hug him even tighter, "You're alive," I say, letting go of him so I can hug Bastian who grunts and nips at my shoulder. The moment he spots the others he breaks free, hackles raised ears pressed back he bares his fangs.

"Don't be rude," grandmother stands at doorway weathered hands holding onto a wooden cane, "come in your highness."

As she turns I rush over and hug her careful not to break any of her mortal bones, "I've missed you," I say, breathing in her cinnamon and vanilla scent, " There is so much I need to tell you."

Grandmother lets out a warm laugh, "I'm sure I already know, but tell me anyway," I let go of her and follow her inside, the moment the door's closed I let Anastasia break free to advert any attention we agreed she would merge with me just this once.

It was wrong of me to take away her freedom, had I listened to Master and not been so arrogant, she wouldn't have developed her own consciousness, but alas nothing can be done about that and somewhere deep down I'm glad.

While the rest of the wolves seem just as confused as Bin Bin, Grandmother takes Anastasia into her arms planting a kiss on either one of her horns.

"I'm glad you two worked things out," Grandmother looks from Anastasia to me with eyes glazed, she's having a premonition of that I am certain. Even though she gave up her immortality, the sight remained as it is a gift even mortals can possess.

"What is she doing?" Roan asks.

"She's having a premonition," I say.

"Interesting," is all grandmother says as her eyes return to normal, she walks over to her seat by the hearth, "please your Majesty," She extends her hand towards the rocking chair.

Fie to my surprise walks over and helps her sit, Grandmother runs a weathered hand across Fie's face.

"So handsome just like your Grandfather," she pats his hand, "When I was very small, I thought him the loveliest of creatures."

Fie's smile is surprisingly warm, "and know, what do you think of him?" Grandmother gives him a mischievous smile redirecting her attention to the rest of the room, "Save Amaranth first only then can I die without regret."

"Regret?" I ask, taking my place on the ground next to her chair. Anastasia sits on the ground next to me, while the others continue to stand in cumbersome silence.

"For allowing your father to have so many consorts this mess could have been avoided," Grandmother runs her hand through my now snow-white hair, " for giving up my immortality for a man who didn't value it."

"Do you regret binding your eternal soul to his?" Fie asks.

"What do you think Prince?"

"I think the Great Moira was too stubborn," Fie says, "I think in another life you did not regret it."

Grandmother nods in agreeance, "find the rest of your siblings and return these lands to their rightful place."

"The Shadow Realm is no more," I say, "I doubt the Queen of Assassins has time to rule over two Realms."

"She already those," Luna walks over violet and silver light dancing on her fingertips, "she co-rules the Dark Realm and is one of the balance keepers." Luna places her hand over grandmother's brow violet and silver light engulfing her in a cocoon of light.

I pull back just as the light engulfs Grandmother's hand, "What are you doing?" I ask.

Luna lets out a sigh, "Undoing a wrong," as she speaks the light fades until Grandmother is back to the way she was before, her hair once gray with old age now violet, while her eyes are as dark as obsidian and her skin as smooth as a baby's.

Grandmother looks down at her hands with wonder, "thank you, Princess."

"Don't thank me," Luna kneels so they're at eye level, "Papa said, this was your reward for all you've done. Now, what do you say we go save Amaranth and kill Elena?" Luna rises to her full height a wicked smile on her lovely face.