EPILOGUE

Zahra sighed contentedly as she watched her two sons play in the sand with their father. Kane and Quil VI, both recently turned five, were having the time of their lives, digging, building, and laughing with Quil, their father, who was as animated as ever.

The past fifteen years had passed in the blink of an eye—fifteen long but peaceful years. Time had brought an overwhelming sense of calm. No longer did she have to worry about rogue vampires or the dangers they once faced; it was a different kind of peace now. The only thing that had changed was the generation: it was no longer Quil and his pack brothers who were phasing into wolves but their children, her sons, and the younger members of the pack.

The reason for the peace, however, wasn't because the world had stopped testing them—it was because the Cullens had returned, albeit temporarily.

The Cullens had come back to stay for a while, but it wasn't due to the ominous threat of a rogue vampire army led by a fiery red-haired stranger.

No, this time, they were here because of Edward's soulmate. Once she was old enough, the Cullens would return to their lives, but for now, they were waiting. It wasn't a permanent stay, but for the time being, it was a necessary one. While there were still some lingering concerns about the situation repeating itself like I did back with Bella', something deep inside told everyone that the past wouldn't repeat itself. It wasn't the same situation, and they were unlikely to face the same challenges.

As for Bella, the former lover of Edward Cullen, she had moved on in her own way. Bella had found love with someone else, someone who wasn't a vampire, and her relationship with the pack had come full circle over the years.

Though there had been some natural tension between her and certain pack members—Aniya, Jake, and Leah, to name a few—the rift had slowly faded. Time had done what nothing else could, and slowly, Bella had become more of a distant friend and less of the mysterious figure she once was.

And yet, no one blamed Bella for the life she could have had with the Cullens. Who could truly say what would have happened if she had stayed with them? But that was a thought for another time.

What mattered now was the present, and Zahra had found her place in it. She had become family to everyone around her, and though her past was filled with uncertainty, she had built a new life, one she was proud of, one where she was loved and cherished.

"Momma!" The voices of her sons called out in unison, their sweet little voices breaking Zahra out of her thoughts. They tugged at her hands eagerly, pulling her toward their father, who was buried up to his neck in sand. Zahra's heart melted as she chuckled and followed the boys, who were so proud of their work.

"Look! We made Dad into a mermaid!" Kane said excitedly, clasping his hands together and mimicking a swimming motion, while Quil VI followed suit with a swirling gesture.

Zahra's eyes widened in surprise, and her chest swelled with emotion at their creativity. It was moments like these that made her feel so full, so complete. Her sons' innocence and joy were contagious, and though her memories of her life as a Selkie had never fully returned, every time she encountered something that felt vaguely familiar, her heart would flutter in recognition.

It was as if her soul knew it had lived differently before, but it was okay. It was okay if the memories stayed locked away for now. They were a part of her, deep inside, but there was no need to dwell on what was lost. What mattered most was the life she was building now—the one with her husband, her children, and their extended family.

Quil, sitting in the sand with his arms folded, let out a playful laugh, catching the attention of Zahra and the boys. "Can I get out now?" he asked, feigning a pout, his face a perfect mixture of frustration and amusement.

Zahra exchanged a knowing look with her sons, a mischievous grin spreading across all their faces. "What do you say, do we let Papa out?" Zahra asked, raising one hand to her cheek as if in deep thought.

"Nooo!" both boys shouted in unison, their laughter ringing out as they dashed off, too excited to give in to their father's pleas.

Zahra sat down beside Quil, chuckling as she leaned over his face, her eyes twinkling with playful affection. "I don't know, should I?" she teased, her voice light and playful. "I mean, I have to admit, our sons did an amazing job sculpting your tail. Not sure you'd make a great merman, though."

Quil raised an eyebrow, narrowing his gaze at her as he tried to keep his composure. "You do realize I can easily get out of this, right?"

But before he could get another word out, Zahra had already jumped to her feet, running toward their sons, her laughter carrying on the wind. Quil let out a hearty laugh, shaking his head in amusement. He quickly freed himself from the sand and sprinted after his family.

As the day wore on, the sun began to dip lower on the horizon, casting a warm glow over the beach. Kane and Quil VI had exhausted themselves from the fun, and the two boys were now fast asleep on towels beneath the umbrella, their tiny bodies curled up in peaceful slumber.

Zahra and Quil, taking advantage of the quiet moment, strolled along the shoreline hand in hand. The waves lapped gently at the shore, the rhythmic sound of the ocean providing a sense of calm.

"Something's on your mind," Quil said, his voice soft and concerned as he noticed his wife's quiet fidgeting.

Zahra gave a small laugh, looking up at him with a smile. "That's the thing," she said with a sigh. "I feel amazing. So happy, in fact, that sometimes it's overwhelming."

Quil turned to her, his eyes searching hers for clarity. "Good or bad overwhelming?" he asked slowly.

"Good," she answered firmly, a reassuring smile spreading across her face. "Always good. It's just... sometimes, I try so hard not to fear the worst, but there's this little part of me that's afraid of losing it all."

Quil's expression softened as he slipped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer. "It's absolutely okay to feel that way. I think everyone does. It just means we're living life to the fullest, cherishing every moment. After everything we've been through, I wouldn't want to know what's coming next. Sometimes, not knowing is the best thing."

Zahra nodded, comforted by his words. "You're right," she said softly. "I'd rather not know. I just want to keep living this life with you."

Quil squeezed her tighter before pulling back slightly, his brow furrowing in thought. "But I can tell something else is bothering you. Seriously, what's wrong?"

Zahra stopped walking and, with a mischievous grin, placed her hand on her growing belly. "Well," she said, her smile widening, "I've been trying to figure out how to tell our sons that they're going to be big brothers."

Quil's eyes widened in surprise as he gawked at her, his mouth hanging open in disbelief. Zahra raised both of her hands, palms up in mock innocence. "Surprise?"

Quil's reaction was immediate—a breathy laugh escaped him, followed by an excited cheer that echoed across the beach. He danced in circles on the sand, his joy infectious. Zahra couldn't help but laugh at his antics, her heart overflowing with love.

Without warning, Quil lifted her into his arms and kissed every inch of her face, whispering "I love you" over and over as he spun her in circles. Their laughter filled the air, but their joyous moment was interrupted when their sons stirred from their naps, roused by their father's exuberant celebration. The boys rushed over, still half-asleep but clearly overjoyed by the excitement.

Zahra took the opportunity to tell them the news. The moment she did, Kane and Quil VI broke into joyous cheers, jumping up and down in excitement. They ran over to her and, in perfect unison, wrapped their little arms around her, kissing her on the cheek with matching enthusiasm.

"We love you, Momma!" they shouted together, before tugging their father into the hug as well.

Quil laughed, lifting his sons into his arms, his heart swelling with love. "Oh good, I was worried you'd forgotten about your old man," he teased, holding them tightly.

"Never!" the boys responded their voices as one, their love for their family clear in their words.

The family of four, soon to be five, shared a moment of pure joy, surrounded by love, laughter, and the promise of new beginnings.

In the distance, hidden behind a large boulder near the sea, Zahra's parents watched silently, their eyes filled with pride as they silently congratulated their daughter.

Far in the forest, Esmeralda, too, shared a soft smile before disappearing into the woods, her presence felt but unseen.

For Zahra and her family, nothing could take away their happiness. They had each other, and they had a world of love surrounding them. They had people out there—both visible and invisible—ready to protect them, no matter what the future held.

The peace they had found was more than just a gift; it was their well-earned reward.