Denouement

Madilynne's P.O.V

I spent several, straining hours, pouring over many of the books in the section ANCIENTS AND SENTINELS. I learned a lot about shifters, but nothing that corresponded with the vision I had. Dread was beginning to settle in, what if we didn't figure this out in time? What would come of us? A heavy sigh left my lips as I closed the book in my hands. Kade chose that moment to enter the room carrying another cup of coffee. "Find anything yet love?"

"No, not yet." I groaned as I scrubbed at my face.

"How about you take a break and try again tomorrow with fresh eyes." Kade gently lifted me from my spot on the lounge chair and carried me down the steps. Nuzzling into his neck, I took in his heavenly scent that reminded me of apple pie. Soon, my eyes were closing against my will, my sleep-deprived mind taking over.

Tossing and turning, I threw the blankets off of my clammy skin. Hot, I was so fucking hot. Opening my eyes, I was not in my room. This place was covered in greenery, the air of it felt peaceful. Where am I? Where is Kade? I was starting to panic now, I could feel my heart rate kick up as I spun in circles looking for anyone.

"Madilynne." A melodic voice reached my ears, one I recognized from an encounter long ago.

"Moon Goddess?"

"Come here child, we must speak before we run out of time."

Soon my eyes adjusted and standing just yards ahead of me was the Goddess herself, her silk dress flowing to its own current. Power and magic drifted from her in droves.

Obeying her command, I followed her as she turned and began to walk. Falling in step, I silently waited for her to speak.

"I pulled you into this state for a reason. This path that you are on, it's a dangerous one. You will lose loved ones, you may even die in the process of trying to succeed." I remained silent as I bobbed my head in recognition. I had a gut feeling that this vision, could be leading me to my own death. Closing my eyes, I fought down the urge to rage at the thought of anyone I held close to me dying.

"What can I do to stop whatever is coming?" I finally found my voice, and courage to speak.

"You alone can not stop it. There are others that are intertwined with your destiny. You need to seek out the others." Her voice cautioned as we paced forward.

"But, one of the others has already been tainted. Sway her to do what is right."

In a blink of an eye, I was in this heavenly state, the next, I was in complete darkness.

My eyes fluttered open, the moonlight casting a glow against Kade beside me. I could hear his soft breaths, see the content expression on his features as he slept.

Sitting up, I scrubbed at my face. My mind was foggy, but I could swear that dream was real. It had to be, or maybe I was overworking myself with everything. Leaning over, I placed a soft kiss on Kade's shoulder. Kade let out a small sigh as he rolled towards me and crushed me to his chest, "Go back to sleep love."

Finding my way out of Kade's arms, I whispered, "I need to clear my head, I'm going for a run. I'll be back soon." Kade mumbled something as I climbed out of the bed, turning to face him, he was back to snoring lightly. I smiled as I made my way out of our room.

After creeping through the house, I managed to slip out without waking anyone else. I could feel Willow below the surface, eager to put her paws to the earth. I pictured my white wolf, and soon, I became her.

By the time I returned from my run, the morning rays of the sun were already breaking the horizon. Walking up the steps, "Lose track of time again, love?" Kade asked with a smile across his face, leaned against the doorframe.

"Maybe." I laughed as I passed him.

"Well, pack your bags love, Alpha summit is going to be held at West Cove Pack this year." I paused, was this a new pack?

"West Cove Pack? Is it new?"

"No and yes." Kade supplied.

"That doesn't make any sense." I said as I moved towards our room, sensing Kade following behind.

"The Alpha and Luna use to be Graceland, but after their territory had been attacked and most of the pack had been slaughtered, they returned to the Luna's birth pack, West Cove."

I paused, saddened by the news, "Goddess, that's horrible. Who was behind the attack?"

Kade gave me a small shrug, "No one knows. Some speculate the attack was a distraction to kidnap their daughter. She disappeared that night, she was only four."

Clutching my chest, "Did they ever find her?"

Kade shook his head, "No."

I began to pack my bags, my mood more somber now after learning about the West Coves Alpha and Luna. I could only imagine the pain they carried. On some level, I related to them. Katie had been kidnapped at a young age, I carried that pain and ache in my heart for most of my life. It hurt not knowing if she was alive. I had to mourn my best friend twice. The first time, when she was kidnapped. The second, when she was murdered in front of me. I clutched the small glass crystal necklace around my neck. The crystal held a small fragment of her ashes inside. Kade had it made for me before she was laid to rest finally. Not a single day passes that I don't think of Katie. She was a kind soul, one who deserved much more than what she had been put through in her life.

I sighed as I finished packing the last bag. 'Take the books, we may need them.' Willow said.

I knew which books they were, the only two I couldn't read. Enchanted books meant for only one shifter to read.

I placed the books into my bags, finally finished packing for the Alpha Summit. If Willow requested I grab those books, then maybe I was on the right path to finding who I needed to find. I shivered as I felt like my thoughts were a Deja vu moment. The more I thought about it, I started to remember small pieces of dreams I'd had here and there. Always the same serene voice, guiding me.

Kade and I both climbed into the car, bags packed and loaded, and began the drive to West Cove Pack.

We sat in comfortable silence, ever so often I'd catch myself dozing off. At the final stretch of driving, my body became more alert, as if I was being awakened.

Whatever was coming, I planned on fighting with my last breath for the ones I loved.

Looking over at Kade, I reached over and grasped his hand, interlocking our fingers.

Destiny owed me one thing in this life, and it was happiness. If it wasn't going to be handed to me, then I guess I would fight like hell to get it.

Or die trying.