Asher's POV
We were all gathered in Lis's apartment. It had been months since she disappeared, and still no news from her. Ever since that day, I can't help but blame myself—one of us should have at least gone with her. I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned to see MJ.
Mara: "Are you okay, Ash?"
Asher: "No, I'm not. Lis is nowhere to be found, and Atlas vanished as if he never even existed."
Garth: "Calm down first."
Asher: "Calm down? It's been six damn months since she disappeared! And you know as well as I do that she's pregnant, for God's sake! And you act like you don't even care."
Kévine: "She's what!?"
Garth: "Great, another addition to our problems. Thanks for that. Lis is my cousin, remember?"
Asher: "How can we even be sure you're not involved in her disappearance? You've only known her for a few months."
Garth: "She's my cousin. Even if I've only known her for a short time, she's my blood. And for us, blood ties are as important as life itself."
Mara: "Okay, that's enough. Asher, go take a walk outside. It'll clear your head."
I stormed out, slamming the door behind me. Maybe you think I'm in love with Athènia—and yes, I am. But I know it's mutual. The moment I meet my true partner, the one my heart chooses, I'll know. I'll find her, but not now. It's been six months since Athènia disappeared without leaving a trace. Is she okay? Has she given birth? Where is she? We know nothing, but we have to find her.
I raised my head and realized I was standing in front of the park. I went inside and sat on a bench. Where are you, Athènia? I closed my eyes, trying to sense something. It was still broad daylight, and even though I'm a hybrid, I can't stay exposed to the sun for too long—it would kill me if I crossed the limit. My mind drifted back to the very first conversation we had in this same park.
Flashback…
I was sitting on a bench when I saw shadows. Looking up, I saw Athènia and Mara. Athènia was smiling brightly.
Athènia: "Hello, Asher."
Asher: "Hello."
I answered, not wanting to draw attention. Mara leaned against the wall on the left, while Athènia bent closer to whisper something only I was meant to hear.
Athènia: "We know you're a hybrid too."
I stared at her in shock.
Mara: "So are we."
She sat down on my left, while Athènia sat on my right.
Asher: "How did you know I'm a hybrid?"
Mara: "Athènia can recognize the scent of hybrids."
I looked at them, stunned.
Asher: "You're a half-wolf…"
Athènia: "Half-witch."
Asher: "Aren't they supposed to be enemies?"
Athènia: "Yes, but desire is stronger than hatred."
Asher: "So, what do I owe the honor of this visit?"
Athènia: "The honor is that this park is my spot when I want to be alone. But I didn't come here just to say that."
Asher: "Then what's the point?"
Athènia: "I have a mission—to unite the supernaturals."
Asher: "What does that have to do with me?"
Athènia: "You're a hybrid. And in my reign, hybrids will not be treated differently from other supernaturals."
Asher: "You're not supernatural royalty as far as I know. Just a witch princess."
Athènia: "But my destiny is to bring peace among all supernaturals, against evil."
Asher: "And who exactly is this 'evil'?"
Athènia: "We don't know yet. But… will you join our group?"
She extended her hand toward me.
Asher: "And why should I ally with you?"
Athènia: "Because just like us, you don't want to live in the shadows anymore, Asher. And if we work together, none of us will remain in anyone's shadow again."
I looked at her hand, then placed mine over hers and smiled.
Asher: "Then we're allies."
She smiled back, and MJ put her hand on mine as well.
Mara: "Good choice."
We let go of each other's hands.
Athènia: "By the way, you won't be living in that motel anymore."
Asher: "And why not?"
Athènia: "Because I don't like my allies living in unsafe places."
Asher: "But that's all my money allows me to afford."
Athènia: "I'll rent you an apartment in our building."
Asher: "I don't want to trouble you, ladies."
Athènia: "I'm paying for your apartment, Asher."
Asher: "That's really not proper."
Athènia: "I don't carry the title of princess for nothing."
She smiled warmly. I sighed, knowing she wouldn't back down.
Asher: "Are you sure it doesn't bother you?"
Athènia: "Of course not. I still have plenty of funds in my name, so don't worry. Come on."
Asher: "Alright."
We stood up, and that's how we left together for the motel.
End of flashback.
That's one of those moments I'll never forget. I know she's alive, but the thought of her being alone with the baby doesn't sit well with me. She's destined to bring peace, which means her life is constantly in danger. The Supreme must already have heard about the one who could threaten him. As far as I know, he can't sense Kora's presence, nor discover her powers. For now, Lis has the advantage—her enemy doesn't know her true abilities. But even if she's safe, we still have to figure out where she is. And I have to try to find her, no matter where she's hiding. I know the others are doing their best too, which is why, in the end, we will find her.