The threat no longer existed. The villagers could return to their normal lives without the demons, the only problem was that they had already forgotten how to live in peace.

The changes they suffered in the last year completely modified Umbra and its inhabitants, they got used to fighting to survive and they got used to using their powers in everyday life, but there was nothing left of that.

With the disappearance of the demons their powers also vanished. The skills they had trained so much disappeared in an instant, leaving an empty feeling in their chest.

Life would never be the same again, and yet Agatha was excited about the future.

"Who am I going to call when I feel like bothering someone?" Flora's voice brought Agatha back to reality.

"We all know you're going to call Clio," Momotaro replied.

"My life is ruined," Clio said dramatically, leaning his body against her car. "Even without demons I can't be at peace."

Flora approached her and put her arm around her shoulders. "It is part of the pleasures of being my best friend."

"I really hope your date with Aífe goes well, at least then I can get away from you for a while," Clio said.

"My date will be perfect, don't worry."

"Do you really have to go now? Why don't you stay at the festival?" Lorcan asked after getting out of the car and intertwining his hand with Agatha's.

"I think it's better this way," Momotaro replied. "I'm sure the townspeople won't want a demon being part of the festival."

"But you're one of us, they know that," Lorcan insisted. "It's not fair that you gave up your human life to save them and you can't be part of the celebration."

"I'm afraid that I'm not one of you anymore," said Momo.

Momotaro's life would never be the same. The decision he made during the battle had no return and his new destiny was to live for eternity as a demon. Luckily for him, Varinia offered to help him and Belphar had no choice but to follow in his sister's footsteps. So there was Momotaro, on the beach, saying goodbye to his friends to start his new adventure.

"You will always be one of us," answered Stefan after he finished smoking. "If you ever need anything don't hesitate to contact us. And I hope you come to visit us from time to time."

"You can't escape now," Genevieve joked. "It may have sounded like an invitation but I assure you it was a threat."

"If you don't come visit him he's going to find a way to go to hell to look for you," Gellert joined Genevieve. "And he will force me to go with him."

"I want you to bring me some memories of hell when you come to visit," Bertram said. "A map of hell is enough for me."

"For what? Are you afraid of getting lost when you get to the afterlife?" Noah asked him.

"Wait a minute, now that I have a demon friend, does that mean I get a VIP pass once I die?" Miles seemed genuinely excited by the idea.

Momotaro let out a laugh. "I'll better get going before you lose your sanity."

Flora was the first to run to hug him, the rest took turns giving him one last hug before he left. Momotaro said goodbye to almost everyone, leaving the most special one for last.

He approached Titan and knelt next to him. The dog jumped into his arms and began licking his face desperately.

"I'm going to miss you, pal, don't cause Stella any problems," Momotaro said without stopping petting him. "I know she's going to take good care of you."

"He could never cause me problems, he always behaves wonderfully." Stella smiled and approached them.

"I promise you that I will visit you as much as I can."

Momotaro walked away from the group to where the other demons were waiting for him. Agatha squeezed Lorcan's hand as a black door appeared in front of the trio.

The door opened and Momo turned to give them one last smile.

"See you soon," she told them and crossed the threshold.

"Do you think he has his own sigil now?" Miles asked his brother. "Can we evoke it if we learn the proper  ritual?"

"We better wait for him to come to visit us," Lorcan replied. "Come on, Demir said he was going to wait for us at the festival."

§

The center of the village was filled with colors and music for the festival. Several game and food stands occupied the streets, attracting the attention of passersby. In Liberty Park, a small stage was set up where residents could place photos and objects of the loved ones they lost during the war.

"I'm starting to take a liking to chocolate mint," Lorcan said as he walked with Agatha between the stalls.

"At least you don't make a disgusted face every time you take a bite." She savored the ice cream before speaking. "You know we don't have to eat the same flavors, right?"

"Why not? It's better this way, I like to share our favorite flavors. Plus strawberry and mint is not a bad combination."

"This reminds me of the first time I saw a demon, we also ate ice cream that time. At that moment I thought I wouldn't be able to survive a whole year with the demons, and I ended up living in their mansion."

"And you became friends with one of them." Lorcan finished eating his ice cream and hugged Agatha from behind her. "Too many things happened in these six months that I would not have imagined."

She wouldn't have imagined it either. The Agatha who encountered a demon upon returning from work was different from the one she became six months later. She suffered a lot but she was also able to grow, Agatha was no longer afraid to express her true personality, and for the first time she felt proud of who she was.

They stood in front of the stage. Seeing the memories of those who left made Agatha sad, the objects were so many that the people began to pile them on the floor due to lack of space.

"Is there anyone there you recognize?" She asked Lorcan.

"Many, most of them members of the Protectors and others because they were my neighbors."

"Do you think they've found peace?"

"I hope so." Lorcan kissed her on the head. "Seeing them all there makes me want to live for them, you know? I received a blessing that they didn't and I don't want to waste my life."

"Yeah, I know what you mean. After having been so close to death I feel that life has another value. Although I don't know what it would mean not to waste it. Who determines what is a waste of time?"

"I think it's about doing what you really want to do, not standing by or not stopping trying things because you're afraid it will go wrong," Lorcan responded. "But I guess it's a personal thing, everyone decides what's valuable and what's not."

"I still don't know what I want to do," Agatha confessed. "After being so much time focused on surviving I don't know where I want to start. I'm just sure I want to spend more time with my loved ones."

"To be honest, I don't know what to do either."

"Let's find our answers together, then. Everything is easier when you have help."

Lorcan held Agatha's hand. "Whatever the future brings us, let's face it together."

We made it to the end of the story ❤️
Thanks to all the people that supported and read the books. I feel blessed for having your support. I hope you liked the story and that you'll read my next projects.
Love you all.
DreamieAster/Bel.

If you're looking for a new story to read and you like werewolf romance, you should check out my other complete story: