Súton
(n.) Twilight; the approach of death or the end of something
Artemis POV
Leaving the Phantom pack was the hardest part. Each step away from the land was more painful than the last and as we drove on in silence, creating more and more distance between us and home, the ache in my chest grew unbearable.
I was much too uncomfortable and tired to make any conversation so we all rode on in silence.
Apollo accompanied me in the backseat while two guards sat at the front, driving. Seraphine had taken a separate car, as had Viktor.
I suppose everyone needed space to think.
I had informed Selene where the execution would take place and to make the appropriate arrangements for our arrivals.
She agreed, after giving me her condolences.
I had underestimated McConor because I had learnt that he attacked multiple packs and covens at once. It was his way of distracting everyone from helping each other.
I guess it worked.
We weren't the only pack with losses and in the ashes of the aftermath, everyone was eager to watch McConor die. His death would bring the promise of recovery.
Recovery, how do we ever recover from this? A voice scoffed in my head. I shook the thought away.
I closed my eyes and leaned my head on the window. I cleared my thoughts to focus my mind on communicating instead.
'Artemis?'
'Hey Romeo,' I began. 'We've captured the hunters and are bringing them to be executed,'
'Yes, I heard,' He replied.
'I want you and Santiago to help me,' I continued.
I explained to him what I had in mind and he quickly agreed. We quickly finished our conversation, with promises to see each other soon.
I settled back into my seat when I was done, a wave of exhaustion hitting me. I glanced at Apollo and noticed he seemed to be asleep, leaning against the window.
I sighed, letting the darkness wash over and embrace me.
.
Feeling a hand on my shoulder, I startled awake and looked around. I blinked my eyes open to see Apollo give me a tight smile.
"We're here."
I nodded and we both got out the car. I could see Seraphine and Viktor step out of their respective cars too.
I took a deep breath, and looked around. I noticed several members of nearby packs all working and making the preparations for the public execution. I could see a makeshift stage was being built out of wood with a pit being dug up before it.
Catching some familiar scents, I broke away from Apollo and began walking deeper into the territory. I followed a particular one until it lead me to an all too familiar open space.
I swallowed thickly at the memories of that awful day.
Slowly, I approached the hulking figure of my cousin, until I stood besides him. He was staring off into the distance, his jaw twitching and his hands clenched.
I wasn't sure what to do, or what to say, so I opted to stand besides him, my hand on his arm comfortingly.
"Tell me I'm not crazy," His hoarse voice broke the silence. I looked at him questioningly and he turned his face towards me.
"Tell me you hear them too," He whispered.
I gave him a sad smile and a nod.
"I hear them Romeo,"
His stony facade broke as he turned to face me. He had shadows under his eyes and a slight unkept stubble that only made him appear so much older than he was.
His dark eyes appraised me, just as I had done to him and I wondered if I looked as awful as I felt.
"I'm sorry Romeo," I whispered, my voice cracking with emotion. He pulled me into a hug, wrapping his arms tightly around my body. I reciprocated with just as much force and vigour.
We held each other for a moment, taking comfort from each other. We stayed like that until I sensed another presence looming nearby.
Breaking from the hug, I turned to see Santiago tentatively approaching us. He too looked much older than I remembered, sporting some serious frown lines by the corners of his mouth.
I greeted him with a hug too, my emotions prohibiting me from forming words.
"How are you Artemis?" He asked into the hug. I didn't respond verbally and only squeezed him tighter before letting go.
"You look awful," he commented and I let out a surprised bark of laughter at his abrupt statement.
"We all do," I replied.
I heard people begin to arrive at the lands, more wolves, witches and vampires alike. The stage was ready and waiting as the anticipation began building in the air.
I didn't want to think about that yet.
"Do you think there's anymore original members of our pack left?" I asked to no one in particular.
Several beats of silence passed before anyone answered.
"I don't know," Romeo murmured, his gaze fixed into the far distance. "But it doesn't matter,"
I didn't voice my question, which he eventually answered.
He turned his dark gaze onto both Santiago and I, his face hardened with steely resolve.
"The burden falls on us. We must avenge the fallen,"
We both nodded silently, mentally preparing ourselves for what was to come next. The pain in my chest flared back to life, reminding me of what had happened just earlier.
Looking around me, at the barren and empty land, at my exhausted cousin and defeated friend, the pain only grew, expanding from my chest and seeping into every vein in my body.
I clung to the feeling, letting it fill me and fuel me to do what I needed to do.
"Ready?" My cousin asked me.
I inhaled, letting the wind whip my hair and fill my nostrils before sighing and nodding.
"Ready."