***Persephone's POV***

I can see Hunter startle next to me from the corner of my eye. I'm sorry, love. I need to do this, for Hayden and for my mom.

If I don't, Hayden will be murdered by my father's hand and I won't be able to visit my mother.

I expect Hunter to yell and shout but instead, he walks towards my father... and punches him in the face.

Everything happens quickly after that, the pale dude ran behind me, towards Brandi. Hayden and Jordan went to help Hunter but some of my dad's bodyguards came and held them back. My father may have been momentarily surprised but he came back, taking Hunter down.

As he gets on top of Hunter and punches him some more, I hear a scream. It takes me a few moments to realize that was my scream. I startle forward, realized I need to stop my father from killing the love of my life.

"STOP," I yell, "I'LL DO IT. JUST STOP."

But it's to no avail. He's not going to stop, his pride and bloodlust urging him on.

I try to jump in the middle of it but my father shoved me to the ground before going back to beating Hunter.

I can feel a panic attack coming, my feeling of helplessness taking over, but I force it back and stand up. I'm not taking no for an answer.

I can hear Hayden and Jordan trying to fight off the bodyguards but they aren't going to make it. This is up to me.

"LUCIFER JACOB HARTON!" I yell, grabbing my father's attention (yes the asshole is named after the devil), "LET HIM GO NOW OR ELSE."

He chuckles at me, my threat having no effect on him, before turning back to beating Hunter. I can tell Hunter is barely hanging onto consciousness, the time is now or never.

I look around for anything when I feel this... spark. I get this sudden urge to lift my hands towards my father, pushing them towards him. I try to ignore it, wanting to find something to help, but the urge takes over.

As soon as I do it, a breeze from nowhere comes in and knocks my dad over, pinning him to the wall. I can see him struggling but choose to ignore him, Hunter needs me.

I have no time to focus on the fact that I think I controlled that wind, instead rushing over to Hunter.

"My love," I say, staring down at the beaten and bloody face of Hunter, "I'm here. I'm so sorry it took me so long. Can you get up for me please?"

I can tell it takes a lot of energy and pain but he slowly stands up, leaning on me. I start towards the door when a panther and lion come up to me.

"AHHHHH" I scream, wondering where the fuck these animals came from and seeing my life flash before my eyes. 

Damn, kind of a boring life.

But they don't attack me at all, instead walking beside me and Hunter... like guards. Brandi and pale boy walk up to us, him walking protectively in front of her. Hayden and Jordan are nowhere to be seen but I don't have time to worry about them yet, they'll need to wait until we're out of here. They'll be fine as long as they've got each other.

I lead us out the door, the tiger and panther still oddly following us. Maybe I'm high and don't realize it...

Pale boy- actually he kinda looks like Edward Cullen so- Edward was still walking, his hand gripping Brandi's tightly. Well, thank god I don't have to worry about my supposed future husband.

We get to Hunter's jeep, the black paint gleaming under the sunlight.  I put him in the passenger side and rush over to the side, watching as Edward and Brandi LET THE ANIMALS IN THE CAR. What in the actual fuck. Well, looks like we're keeping them. 

I pull out, not knowing where to go. My dad will surely see if we pull in just next door, no matter the fact that there are multiple acres between our mansion and theirs. When I see Hunter dozing off, I pull off to the side of the road, turning the car off for a moment.

"Hey," I tell Hunter, "stay awake. I'm going to take you to the emergency room."

"No," he coughs out, "don't do that. We have to visit your mom, and if I show up like this, they'll have questions."

"My mom can wait, you're hurt," I tell him, pleading with my eyes for him to just listen. After a moment of silence, I start the car again but Hunter puts his hand over mine, stopping me from turning in the direction of the hospital. 

"I'm already doing better," he says, and as I'm about to call him out on his egregious lie I notice he's right. He's sitting up straighter, he looks less pale and even his bruises and cuts look better. I always knew the twins healed up nicely, but damn this is a whole other level. "See? I know you see it. C'mon, let's go visit your mom. Please."

"But..." I say, unsure what to do, "you promise you're ok? Pinky promise?"

I stick out my pinky finger, and he wraps his pinky around it. "Pinky promise," he whispers, looking me dead in the eyes.

"Ok buckle up mofos," I say, a lightness coming to my heart. He wasn't badly wounded, he's ok.

 I start driving before I remember. "WAIT" I yell, slamming the brakes, "Oh sorry guys, but where are Hayden and Jordan? And why in the hell is there a panther and a lion in this damn car." 

"Look, we can't explain right now," Hunter says, looking anywhere but at me, "but I promise after we see your mom, we'll explain it. Just know that Hayden and Jordan are ok."

"I..." I want to trust him, but this is nuts. However, I need to see my mom, and if he says they're ok, then they're ok, "ok. I trust you. Let's go y'all."

I start up again, driving towards the hospital, my thoughts racing.

Life had been calm since Hunter left, and the day he came back everything went to shit. Maybe it was the universe telling us something. But I was selfish. I didn't care what happened, as long as I had him. When he was gone and everything was calm, I was miserable. Now that he's here and everything is hectic, I'm truly happy. I feel like I can face any obstacle, as long as it's with him.

"Hey guys," Edward says, not taking his eyes off Brandi, "I'm Zach. Nice to meet you."

Damn, I wish his name was Edward. As I'm about to say something, Hunter beats me to the punch, "I'm Hunter and that's Persey, but you can call her Persephone. Also, she's with me so if you try anything I'll hurt you."

"Ok ok Mr. Aggressive Alpha," I say, chuckling a bit, "rein your jealousy in. Hi Zach, you may call me Persey, and the beauty you have been eyeing all night is named Brandi. Thank you for protecting her earlier."

Brandi blushes and Zach smirks, "It was my pleasure." he says, his eyes locked on Brandi's lips.

Well, awkward. I clear my throat, trying to get rid of the tension in the air. I don't know why Brandi is so quiet, she's always been the loudest of us. Not to mention the fact that her flirting skills are phenomenal, I don't know why she's not jumping Edwar- I mean Zach right now.

"WELL," she says, my loud friend's confidence kicking back in, "come on biatch. Go a bit faster, my grandma drives faster than you."

"Of course she does, she's a fucking maniac on the streets," I say, chuckling.

"Don't badmouth grammy," she says, glaring at me and avoiding Zach's eyes," she makes you cookies all the time." 

"That she does," I say, leaving it at that. I go a bit faster, wanting to get to the hospital. I still hadn't wrapped my head around the fact that my mom was in the hospital. She had never been sick before, not once. 

Now that I mention it, none of us have ever been sick. Maybe it was the Montana air or the rural life, but neither my family nor my friend group ever got sick.

I finally make it to the hospital 10 minutes later, helping Hunter out before rushing with him into the hospital. I leave the lovebirds to stay with their animals, hoping the morons won't bring a panther or lion into a hospital.

"Hi," I say to the front desk attendant, "I'm looking for Eve Harton. I was told she was here." 

"Oh yes," she says, typing into her computer before turning back to me, "she's in room 301."

"Thank you!" I yell back to her, already moving in the direction she had pointed me towards.

When I finally reach the room, I stop. What am I going to see? Is she going to be minimally hurt or injured to a degree that I can't handle? What happened to her?

"C'mon sunshine. She's waiting for you."

With him at my back, I know I'm ready. I slowly open the door, noticing my mom on the bed. She looks... sick. Her face is gaunt like she hasn't eaten in weeks. The massive bags under her eyes tell me about her lack of sleep. Her eyes miss that sparkle it used to have, instead they're dull and lifeless. Even her gorgeous, thick black hair is now ratty and tattered. 

"Oh," I cry, rushing to her side and collapsing in the chair by the bed, "Mom. Why are you so sick suddenly? What happened?"

"Oh Seph," she whispers, tears glistening in her eyes. She lifts one bony hand to frame my face, her movements stilted. "Hunter dear, can you close the door, please? What I have to say must be said in private." 

As Hunter goes to close the door Brandi, Zach, Hayden and Jordan rush in. "We want to be here too," Brandi says, her eyes going to my mom. She covers a sob, rushing over to sit by me as well. My mom had practically raised Brandi since Brandi's parents were always overseas. "Mrs. Harton, what happened?"

"Dear, don't call me that. You can call me mom, you know that." my mom says, grabbing Brandi's hand with her other one. "You can all stay and hear, except for him. I know who you are, and I don't trust you. So please leave." 

I see her glaring at Zach. That's surprising. My mom was the kindest soul in the world and if she didn't trust someone to this degree, it wasn't without reason. I get up, ready to kick his ass out when Brandi stops me. "Mom," she says, looking at our mom, "I trust him. We... we imprinted. I know it's a lot to ask, but please, trust him."

"Aw, dear." she says, looking at Brandi with tears in her eyes, "I am so happy for you. And I am so sorry, honey, for being so rude earlier. I know your parents and they are... not the most trustworthy. But, if you imprinted with one of my daughters, you are surely worthy. Welcome to the family."

"It's ok," he says, looking bashful, "my parents aren't good people. I don't blame you. But I promise to never hurt either of your daughters."

He comes in next to Brandi, holding her shoulder as a sign of support.

"Boy," mom says, looking at Hunter, "come hold your imprinted. You left her before, don't be stupid and distance yourself from her any longer."

"What in the fuc- heck is an imprinted?" I ask, no longer able to hold my tongue.

"I'll explain it all, dear." mom says, looking at me with what looks like... regret. "For now, just trust that you and Hunter belong together."

"I... I will." I say, prepared to do anything for my mom.

"She's.... she's my imprinted?" Hunter asks, finally voicing his opinion. He heads over to me, grabbing my hand and squeezing.

"Of course she is son," my mom says, rolling her eyes, "can't you feel it? The pull to be with the one you love forever?"

"Well yes, bu-"

"No buts," mom says, cutting him off, "y'all belong together. Now Hayden and Jordan are you guys just going to keep standing there awkwardly or you going to come in? I know you're a new addition to the family Jordan but why are you being so weird Hayden? Don't forget, you lived at my house just as much as Brandi did, you're practically my son. So get in here. But shut the door first."

Hayden and Jordan join after shutting the door, all of us crowded around the bed as we watch my mom work up the courage to say whatever you need to say.

"Persephone, you are a Kudak." She says, spouting what sounds like absolute nonsense. Oh god is my mom going crazy? "Child, I am not going crazy. Just listen to me."

"I'm sorry did you just read my mind?!" I whisper-yell, freaked out but not trying to startle her.

"I said let me explain. God, I forgot that you are so impatient. Anyways, you are Kudak, which is pretty much a mix between what humans say are gods and angels. We have the appearance of an angel with the wings but the powers of a god. Your father is the most powerful Kudak of our generation, with me a close second. He has all of the darker powers, such as the ability to inflict fear or the ability to torture someone with a thought. I have all the lighter powers, such as the ability to heal or the ability to calm someone's emotions. In any case, we are the most powerful Kudak for the last ten generations, because magic is dying out. Yes, I know. Magic doesn't exist, or that's what we've told you. But, beloved dear, it does exist. In the room, currently, we have 3 were shifters, a vampire and a witch, not to mention us 2 Kudaks."

"Mom..." I say, not sure what to say, I'm magical? I mean, I guess I controlled that air earlier but I've never done anything magical, and OH MY GOD the panther and lion made more sense now. No fucking wonder, they were Hayden and Jordan, I bet. Fuck, I'm surrounded by magical people and I didn't know. "I believe you. I don't know why because this sounds like nonsense but I trust you, and you wouldn't lie to me about this. But what does this have to do with you being in the hospital."

"Because, dear daughter, your magic is why I'm in the hospital. I'm dying, sadly, and I thought I had more time to tell you everything, but since I don't, I'm going to tell you now. But you can under no circumstances tell your father. After y'all leave, go to Granny Dahlia's house, and when she believes you're ready she'll give you the house. Just know that I love you dear daughter and I built that house for you.

"Mom..." I sob out, "you can't die. I can't do this without you." I snuggle my head into her side, refusing to believe I'm going to lose the only person who's been with me my whole life. I feel Hunter squeeze my hand, silently telling me he's here for me.

"I'm sorry, honey. I shouldn't have left this for the last minute, I was over-confident. But I need you to be strong, and I'm so sorry to ask this of you, but I've been working every day since you turned 2 for this day, and I need you to listen to what I'm going to tell you. Most people's powers come in at 12, mine came in at 10 but that's rare, it's only for the strongest paranormals. You got your powers at 2 years old when you were throwing a tantrum and flooded the house due to the fact I didn't give you another donut."

"That's impossible." Hunter says, speaking up for the first time, "No supernatural has ever gotten their powers at 2 before, not even the originals."

"Boy, are you accusing me of lying? I can tell you plain as day that her powers came at 2, stronger than anything I've ever seen. I had to lock your powers up but had nothing powerful enough to contain them, so I put them inside my own body, something rarely done because the magic fights to return to its owner, slowly killing the one who took it. But I knew if your father knew about how strong you were he'd either kill you for being stronger than him or groom you to be just like him, which I couldn't have. So, I researched why you were this strong, going back hundreds of years in our archives. Finally, I found a prophecy told by the last true prophet, hundreds of years ago. It talked of a girl with unusually strong powers who was imprinted to a were shifter, an heir to be exact, and would lead us back to the source of our magic, before all magic dries up. Because, once many many years ago we lived on a separate plane of Earth, otherwise known as the Underworld, but it wasn't for the dead as humans believe, it was for the magical. The wrong queen took the throne, a throne imbued with magic that connected the true queen to the realm, and the world crumbled and many died. Those that escaped became the originals, creating a council that would try and find a way back to the Underworld. Eventually, the council forgot their original mission and became more of a leading force of supernaturals, not a government exactly but a controlling, oppressive force. That council is headed by your father currently. I believe that you are that girl, Persephone, the one who will lead us back to the Underworld and bring us back our magic. Because magic is dying, and I fear without us being back to our source, the next generation will have no magic."

She finally finishes her rant, looking at me expectantly. But I only have one question, one that's been on my mind for years. "Why would you marry him? You're far too good for him, and even after everything he did, you never left. Why?" 

"I... it was an arranged marriage. Years past, the Kudaks were split into two divisions, light and dark. We were on the verge of war, something that would've destroyed the supernatural war. In order to keep the peace, the leaders of the dark Kudak offered up their heir in an arranged marriage, and my parents- the leaders of the light Kudak- accepted and married him to their eldest daughter. Me. I had to marry him, or I would've been the reason for countless deaths. And I'm so sorry I couldn't protect you from him, every time I stuck up for you, he got worse with you. I couldn't leave him or he'd start a war with the light. I... I failed as a mother. I put the needs of my people before you, and for that, I will always be sorry. But, darling, I think you can beat him. Believe me, this magic has been trapped in me and despite the fact that with my magic I should've lasted for another 20 years, I've barely been holding on. Your magic is... it feels like what I imagine the source feels like. I believe you're even stronger than the originals, your magic deeper than theirs. The magic of the universe gave us one more chance, with you. All I ask of you is take it."

"I know you're so sure," I say, hesitant, "but I'm not sure. I'm not this strong hero the prophet mentioned, I can't even beat my dad. How can you be so sure? I... I can't do this mom."

"Persephone Grace Harton. I did not raise you to feel sorry for yourself. You will do this because you need to do this. Your people need you. And you want to know how I know? When you get your magic, you can feel the depth of it, how much you can pull out before feeling exhausted and needing to be replenished. Mine feels like what I assume is a great lake, a good amount to have but not endless. Yours feels endless, anytime I try diving in I feel like I'm drowning. There is no end to your magic, not one I can find anyway. Your magic has taken its toll on me, and I'm afraid I only have a couple of hours left. All I ask is that you go to your Granny, and you complete this mission. As soon as I pass away, your magic will return. She will train you, listen to her. And, my darling girl, just know I'm proud of you."

"NO," I yell, trying to figure out a plan, "release the magic to me now. It will stop killing you." 

"Oh, sweetheart, I wish it was that easy," she tells me, tears in her eyes. I can tell this conversation has drained her, she's barely holding on. "The magic I used to bond your magic to me can't be broken. The magic won't leave me until I die, and the magic won't stop fighting until I'm dead. I knew this would happen when I did it, but I owed you this much, at least. I'm so sorry for everything your dad did, and for not doing more. I hope you're happy, and if it comes down to it, never put everyone else above your loved ones. Not like I did. Now go, I can feel your dad in the area. He's coming, you must run."

"NO, Mom. I'm not leaving you. I'm staying by your side." I sob, holding onto her hand tightly, "I never blamed you. You were my hero, the one who cared for me. You can't leave me. You can't." 

"Oh, darling," she whispers, releasing my hand to pet my hair, "I love you. Thank you for not hating me. Just be happy, for me. Hunter, if you'd do the honors." 

She nods to Hunter, who picks me up and away from her. From my mother. "I'm sorry sunshine. I need to protect you from your dad. Forgive me." 

"NO MOM. HUNTER PUT ME DOWN. PUT ME DOWN RIGHT NOW. PLEASE." I try fighting, but it's pointless. His grip is too strong, and he starts carrying me away. "MOM I LOVE YOU. I'M SO SORRY. I PROMISE I'LL DO IT. FOR YOU." 

I watch her as we leave, noticing the peaceful smile on her face. I wished she had always looked like that, but I'm glad she got to leave peacefully. I start to notice my surroundings, how Zach is carrying Brandi similarly, her sobbing into his shoulder. Hayden seems to be barely holding on, his eyes rimmed with red, leaning heavily on Jordan. Even Jordan, who had only known my mom for about 2 years, looked like he was about to break down. 

I look up at my kidnapper's face, noting the tears rolling down his face. That must have been hard for him, he lived at our house too. When he had a good day, he came over to eat chocolate chip cookies with us, something mom made because she knew it was his favorite. I always swore she liked him most, but I think it's because she felt bad. His parents are the most absent out of all of ours, and Hunter always had a hard time making friends. Mom used to sit him down and ask about his day, something I don't think anyone else did for him.

She really was the best mom I could've asked for, despite her flaws. And I just lost her. I hold back a sob, desperate for any other emotion. Anything to get me out of this depression, this utter pit of despair. 

As Hunter is loading me into the jeep, sitting me in the passenger side, the other feeling surges forward. Anger. How fucking dare he take me from my mom. I don't care what she asks, I needed her. And he chose the wrong thing.

I slap his hands away, glaring at him. "I'm angry at you. You took me away from her! My last moments with her were ruined because of you."

"I..." he sighs, "I'm sorry. I did what I thought was best. I hope you'll forgive me eventually. Just know, that hurt me as much as it hurt you."

I didn't doubt it, but I held onto the anger. I needed to feel something, ANYTHING, other than despair. As Hunter started the car, I looked out the window, refusing to talk to anyone. I know I should check on my friends, but I can't bring myself to do it. 

I feel a shift in the air, and somehow I know, she's dead. My mother, one of the brightest lights to ever exist, just died. And I wasn't beside her. I try to choke down a sob but I can't, it comes bursting out of me. I break down, sobbing uncontrollably while continuing to look out the window, refusing to look at anyone else.

And then it hits me, the force of my power. And damn was she right, I'm strong. Hella strong. I start to get intimidated, not sure what to do with all this magic, but I push it down. Mom thought I could do this, so I will. For her.

I have only two goals. One, fulfill my mom's wish of bringing us back to our home. Two, avenge her death. And there was only one person to blame for her death. Lucifer Harton, otherwise known as my father.

I'm coming for you father. And I won't stop until she's avenged.