The Alpha King's Nemesis-Chapter 142: Home ()

"When I left Darla, I held hopes that perhaps someday, I would see her again... I never thought she had already..." Lord Melven trailed off at this point, tilting his head back.

"I am at fault, I have failed to protect my sister..." Lord Melven murmured in a pained tone.

Zariah’s heart ached for Lord Melven as much as it did for her own self, while she had lived with the pain of never knowing her own mother,

Lord Melven had lived believing his sister was out there, alive and well somewhere, living a happier life than what the Coral Seas could afford her.

Whereas, Darla Moonstone had passed away at a young age, merely a month after birthing her only daughter, Zariah.

Although Zariah would always live with the pain of her mother’s loss, she did not lament it for she knew her mother had given her life for a worthy cause.

Zariah passed King Askel a glance and he nodded, letting go of his hold on her hand.

"It’s not your fault, Lord Melven. You could not have known my mother’s fate, yet you were right to believe she would fare better amongst her own people." Zariah said as she rose to her feet and headed over to Lord Melven.

Zariah crouched down to a knee and took his hand in hers.

"If you had not made a selfless choice then...if you had not given my mother away, then she would never have met my father and I would not be here..."

"My mother’s life was short but it was a beautiful one, she was my father’s pride and joy...his everything, truly." Zariah smiled sadly,

"He talked about her at every moment of every day, although it broke his heart to remember her loss..."

"He never wanted me to forget, that my mother was a honorable queen and a true warrior."

"My mother lived a life filled with love and happiness, her life was one of fulfillment... and she would want you to know that." Zariah said, blinking back the tears gathered in her eyes.

Lord Melven sucked in a deep breath as his tears flowed faster.

"Can you tell me how?... What happened to her?" Lord Melven asked,

Zariah lowered her gaze, her throat clogging up at the thought of her mother and so she looked to Nile for help.

"Crimson Luna and Queen Darla Moonstone of Crimson Moon, the most powerful water wolf of her time made a voluntary sacrifice to represent the water element and restore the element seal." Nile relayed, his tone low.

"This... the tale you told me?" Kristen spoke up in surprise, turning to Nile and Nile nodded in affirmation.

Lord Melven was quiet for a long moment before a small smile settled on his lips.

"The most powerful water wolf of her time... Crimson Luna and a Queen...I always knew Darla was meant for great things, she did not disappoint." Lord Melven said with pride. 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

Zariah nodded, truly her mother was a woman of wisdom and bravery beyond words and Zariah had always prayed to be even half the woman her mother had been.

"You raised a great leader, Lord Melven. My mother’s bravery and sacrifice is held dear in the hearts of all of Crimson Moon... never to be forgotten." Zariah said in agreement.

For a moment, they both fell quiet, for this was a moment that did not require words but only understanding.

And after a short time, Lord Melven finally spoke again.

"No more of this ’Lord’ title, I am your uncle Zariah, the royal blood of the Sea Kingdom and the Coral Seas flow through your veins..." Lord Melven said as he placed a hand on Zariah’s cheek.

"The Creator is fair, he took Darla away, but he brought you to me. My niece...my child..." Lord Melven murmured.

Zariah’s throat was thick with the sobs she held back, she finally understood why she had always been so deeply affected by the waters,

Why she had been so intrigued by Lord Melven right from the moment she set eyes on him.

Why she had been so anxious to save Kristen’s life regardless of what it would cost her, though she herself was ignorant...her heart recognized her kin.

"This is your home Zariah... this is your home..." Lord Melven said as he wrapped his arms around Zariah, hugging her close to his chest.

"Home... I like the sound of that." Zariah said, a genuine smile settling on her lips when she felt Kristen’s hand on her shoulder.

"I could teach you how to shed your scales...as a thank you for saving me..." Kristen offered with a grin when Lord Melven finally let go of Zariah.

Zariah laughed quietly, shaking her head as she rose to her feet and stared down at her legs.

"I do not believe I shall be needing that knowledge anytime soon, not until I figure out how this whole thing actually works." Zariah said in amusement.

"Your tail... can you take the form at will?" Kristen asked curiously and Zariah shrugged.

"I don’t know... I haven’t tried." Zariah replied.

"You have exhausted yourself, do not force it...it will come to you at it’s own time." Lord Melven assured just as the doors opened and Prince Treyton as well as Princess Shariah swam in.

"Lord Melven...I received your message. This..." Prince Treyton murmured, glancing between Lord Melven and Zariah in awe.

Zariah guessed they must have been told she was Lord Melven’s niece.

"It is amazing..." Princess Shariah completed.

Zariah passed Princess Shariah a glance and the Mer Princess lowered her gaze in shame.

"Lady Zariah..." Princess Shariah began but Zariah cut her off.

"Alpha Zariah." Zariah corrected, she was already getting fed up with the ’Lady’ title.

"Alpha Zariah, I must apologize for my actions towards you so far, I... I failed to see your efforts to protect the mer folk and I am truly sorry...I know my actions are unpardonable..." Princess Shariah began to apologize.

"I do not hold it against you, leave it be. How is your father?" Zariah changed the topic in a dismissive tone.