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EPILOGUE - MAHALIA
One year later…
The passing of a year has brought profound changes to our lives. The forbidden forest, once a place of fear and uncertainty, has become our sanctuary. Its once ominous shadows have been replaced by the gentle embrace of sunlight filtering through the leaves. The haunting echoes of the past have faded, replaced by the soothing melodies of bird song and rustling leaves.
In the aftermath of our harrowing journey into the Rift, a year of relative peace has graced our world. The monsters that once terrorized us have remained at bay, their presence nothing more than a distant memory. The constant threat that loomed over our pack has diminished, and a newfound sense of security has settled in.
As the seasons have cycled through their familiar patterns, I’ve found solace in the quietude of the forest. The howls of wolves in the night have given way to the harmonious unity of our pack. Each day, we’ve worked together to adapt to our new way of life, strengthening the bonds that connect us.
The elders, with their centuries of wisdom, have become our guides and mentors, helping us navigate this uncharted territory. They have assured us that the turbulent era, marked by the malevolent Rift, has come to an end. Their words carry a weight of authority and experience, and we have chosen to trust in their guidance.
It’s not lost on me that our lives have taken an unexpected turn. The forbidden forest, once a place of dread, has become a haven of tranquility. My artistry has flourished in this serene environment, each stroke of the brush a testament to the healing power of time and nature.
In the year that has passed, my relationships with Maddox, Kit, and Lars have evolved in ways I could never have predicted. The dynamic among us has shifted, deepening the connection we share. While the idea of a reverse harem was once unimaginable, it has gradually become a reality, born out of shared experiences and newfound emotions.
As I meander through the tranquil woods, the soft rustle of leaves beneath my feet and the gentle breeze playing with my hair, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of contentment. The forbidden forest, once a place of dread and danger, has transformed into my sanctuary, a realm where I’ve discovered a new lease on life and an unexpected depth of connection with my pack.
“Almost the end of the year, isn’t it?” he comments with a smirk playing on his lips. “What are your plans when we return back to civilization?”
I cock a knowing eyebrow at him. “Well, I don’t think I’ll be going back to school, which is annoying…”
“Why? Because you won’t get to see me every single day?”
I roll my eyes. “No, because I won’t be able to make Lars do my work. He owes me!”
Maddox tosses his head back and laughs. “Well, that’s a shame. It would be good to see him paying you back for everything that he put you through.”
“Yeah, well I’m sure I can think of other ways.” I slip my hand into his, holding him close as we walk together. “I mean, we’re all planning to live together, aren’t we?”
A naughty twinkle glints in his eyes. “Talking of which…”
We reach a clearing at the edge of the woods, and my steps slow as my gaze is drawn upward to the sight before me. A grand mansion, standing tall and imposing, looms against the backdrop of the serene forest. Its architecture is a harmonious blend of natural elements and human craftsmanship, seamlessly integrated into the surrounding landscape.
Maddox gestures to the mansion with a sense of pride and anticipation. “This, Mahalia, is for us. I figure we’re going to need the room, aren’t we? And more than that, we’re going to want to be near the waterfall always.”
My eyes widen in astonishment as I take in the grandeur of the structure. It’s a mansion unlike any I’ve seen before, a testament to the pack’s commitment to providing for its members. The idea that this splendid place is meant for me leaves me both humbled and overwhelmed.
“For us?” I repeat, my voice barely above a whisper.
I take a step forward, my eyes still fixed on the mansion. “It’s incredible, Maddox.”
Maddox ushers me through the grand entrance of the mansion, and as I step inside, I’m immediately enveloped in a sense of awe. The other pack members are gathered here, their expressions a mix of excitement and anticipation, clearly in on the surprise that Maddox has prepared for me. Together, we embark on a tour of the magnificent mansion, each room revealing its unique charm and purpose.
“Come on,” Kit says with a playful grin. “Let’s take you for a look around. You’ll love it!”
Our journey begins in the foyer, a spacious area with a soaring ceiling and an impressive chandelier hanging overhead. Sunlight streams in through tall, arched windows, casting a warm glow on the marble floors. The walls are adorned with paintings and tapestries that depict the rich history of our pack, connecting the past with our present endeavors.
Our next stop is the library, a haven for knowledge and research. The room is lined with towering bookshelves, their shelves filled with an extensive collection of tomes and manuscripts. A large oak table stands in the center, inviting scholarly discussions and collaborative work. The scent of aged leather and paper fills the air, making it a perfect place for relaxing and enjoying ourselves. Plus, I’m sure Maddox will need this, and Lars too now has to do his own homework.
We ascend a spiral staircase that leads to the observatory. It’s a room bathed in natural light, with telescopes and astronomical instruments positioned strategically to observe the night sky. The open dome above can be retracted to reveal the stars, and this room is dedicated to our investigations into celestial phenomena, potentially linked to the Rift’s origin.
Maddox leads me to a room filled with art supplies, and a smile plays on his lips. “I thought you might want a space for your artwork,” he says. Easels, canvases, and an array of paints and brushes are neatly organized. “Since that’s what you’re going to focus on now.”
I’m shocked, but happy too. I really feel like this is going to be the first day of the rest of my life. A chance for me to be me at long last. But we’re not done yet…
The mansion surprises me once again as we step into a garden conservatory. Lush greenery and vibrant flowers thrive in this sunlit oasis. A tranquil fountain adds to the ambiance, creating a serene atmosphere for moments of relaxation and reflection.
Finally, we enter the master bedroom, a sanctuary of comfort and elegance. A giant-sized bed is adorned with luxurious linens, and the room is tastefully decorated with soft colors and natural textures. A large window offers a view of the forest, connecting us with the very heart of the forbidden woods. This room will be where all the magic happens…
