I wish people would send in art, or banner work. I'll always feature it (;

This chapter will be in 3rd person for a good amount of it. Let me know how you like it!

The first to move was Moira, as she bent down to cradle Venus's head. The girl sobbed and sobbed, covering her face with her hands like a child.

Reese cast a nervous glance at Demetri, wondering what was going on inside that head he had, or rather a steel safe with a thousand number combo. His eyes were hard, but guilt swam in them as he just stood frozen staring at her. Moira rocked her back and forth, trying to whisper calming in things in her ear, but nothing could help her.

"Please, I'm so sorry Venus, I'm so sorry," Moira muttered, her long blonde hair crowding her face. But Venus said nothing. Instead, she cried.

The minutes turned into hours, which turned into days. She didn't leave her house. Reese had cleaned up the remains of her battered apartment, back from when Diego, Wilson and Tyrese had destroyed the door and her window. Reese made sure to put it back in the same condition it was before the whole thing took place.

Moira struggled often, with Reese at her side. Guilt ate at her in a way that made her feel small, vulnerable even. Her guilt was a vulture, swarming around the carcass of a warthog, flying down once in a while to give it a good peck or two before flying off again.

Reese was always there to comfort her, and while she was grateful, the only solace she wished for was that of Venus. To know how she was doing, how she was feeling. Yet Venus stayed in her room, door locked and isolated from the world. Moira had much preferred to be screamed at instead of being shut down into isolation from her closest friend in the town.

Then, there was Demetri. He'd visited twice, today being the second. The first time he went to see her it ended with him out on the small patio in the rain with nothing but the sound of shattering glass inside. Originally, she'd been laying on her couch, with the TV on. Yet she wasn't watching it. She just laid there, lacking any sign of human emotion or thought.

As Demetri had tried to console her, he'd only made it worse, and he knew that he couldn't offer any kind of resolve. She only knew her story, but she didn't know theirs.

As Demetri walked up to the apartments, a stray cat skittered across the crooked street leading to more buildings in the other direction. He kept his composure, but his insides were coiling. It was weird, for him at least, to feel nervous. But she had that effect on him; making him listen to his own every word for any kind of mistake, which he ironically had a habit of saying all the wrong things to her. He knew he could be better, but he wasn't allowed to be at the time due to the prophecy.

But this time, it was different. He would talk to her, and he would tell her the full truth.

As he knocked on the door, he hesitated, wanting to go in. He could, if he wanted, but he was walking on thin ice, so thin that even staring he, he wondered, if it would crack.

He heard footsteps, and felt her presence, yet she never opened the door. Demetri let out a low growl, glaring up at the harsh sun.

"Venus."

Nothing. But he knew shew as there.

"Let me in, I just want to talk."

His sensitive ears picked up a huff of air on the other side of the door.

"Please," He tried, his voice growing weaker.

The door handle jiggled before clicking and swinging open. There she was, her eyes beet red, hair disheveled and bags dragging down her eyes. He had to do a double-take. This wasn't Venus. Where was the fiery glow that seemed to follow her wherever she went? Those eyes that were brick walls? Never allowing anyone past them. But now, her eyes were as shattered as her window had been only days ago.

"Will you let me in?" He asked gently. She stared at him, then opened the door wider. As he walked in, he noticed nothing had changed from a few days ago. There was still a shattered plate in the kitchen, and still no sign of food being eaten.

He watched as she made her way to the couch, and sat down, staring blankly ahead.

Demetri opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. She was an empty shell of what she was just a week ago. Her entire world had been flipped upside down, and turned and contorted. Reality as she knew it would never be the same.

He shrugged off his black coat, hanging it on the chair of her small table, and made his way to the pathetic kitchen. He hunched over, and began to gather large pieces of porcelain. He continued to clean the mess from a few days ago.

How could he say anything to her? What was he going to start with?

"Show me."

The words barely making it past her teeth as she spoke.

"What?" He asked.

She said nothing, causing him to sigh, throwing away more of the glass.

"I don't know if that's something you want to see just yet. You're still adjusting to everything else," He stated, coming to her side.

"You all lied to me. How do I adjust to that?" She asked, looking at her hands. Her eyes were glossed over, but held no sign of sorrow or anger. In fact, he wished she would show something instead of nothing.

"We weren't-"

"Allowed to. I get it," She cut him off, then added, "I don't know why it hurts me so much that you were apart of this big lie. Marge was right. I never should have let you into my life."

Though the words disturbed him, he knew they were destined to meet one way or another. She could hate him for all she wanted, but she needed him. It was just a matter of time before she would realize.

"I know you're upset, and I don't blame you. I just-"

"You want me for power and you want nothing to do with me. I don't understand why you're still here. I know the truth now. I know what I am, although I don't understand it, or how I'm supposed to do it, or if I even want to do it. Everything around me is a lie, and I know I can't escape it like the last time."

"Venus, I know how it looks. I do. And I wish I could make it better. But I don't want you for power Venus. I'm trying my best to do what's best for you, and keep you safe."

"Safe? Safe? Is this," she gestured to the new door, "safe? I was almost killed in an alleyway. I was almost . . . " her eyes widened as she took in the possibilities of all that has happened. "All these bad things that happen to me are your fault!" She was screaming now, her eyes begging for answers.

"I'm doing the best I can! I wasn't allowed to tell you these things or else-"

"Or else it would effect your stupid prophecy. Just stop fighting with Landon. Problem solved."

"It doesn't work that way and you know it."

"I don't know anything anymore!"

"Then just know that I'm here for you. Moira is there for you, and so is Will, and Marge. They kept secrets, as did I, but everything was and is real. They still care for you and the friendship."

"So what about you then? It's strange. You're the biggest disappointment of them all," her voice became a hoarse whisper.

"You know I care for you."

She scoffed. "I forgot, you've shown me so many ways in which you care for me. No Demetri, you care for what I have to offer. So stop pretending."

Her words cut like a knife, but he understood. When an animal is wounded, they lash out in any way they can to protect themselves.

"I'm sorry."

Her eyes, though focused on the table in front of her, slowly trailed to him. The way they met his almost made him shiver. They were so intense, so . . . vulnerable it seemed.

"What am I supposed to do?" Her question floated throughout the air, and for once, Demetri didn't have an answer.

"I guess, now that most of the truth is out, the rest is up to you."

He wanted to touch her shoulder, in assurance that she wasn't alone. But he was the ignition to the fire. He could send a spark just as easily as blinking. One touch is enough to set her off. That much he knew.

"You make it seem as though there is more information," she replied with anger gathering in her eyes.

"Yes, but only when you're ready to hear it. And this time you'll have your answers when you're ready."

The red left her eyes and she seemed to be pulled back into her thoughts once again. They were quiet for a second, almost too quiet. It bothered Demetri - made his fingers twitch with anticipation.

"What is Reese?" She then asked.

Relief fluttered through Demetri. At least she was now curious and emitting some kind of emotion.

"We call them Peacekeepers. It's his job to keep the peace between packs during this time. Reese has special abilities and can do a lot with his Magyk. He created that portal that led us into that room, and when he showed you our prophecy. As a Peacekeeper, he's not allowed to make an allegiance to pack when there are two battling for supremacy."

"Two packs fighting...like you and Landon?"

"Yes," He nearly smiled at the fact that she was slowly being subjected to his world, on her own terms without secrecy. He liked that she showed interest in his world despite his demise.

"I know you're telling me more, but I still feel confused. This whole prophetic vision thing..." She trailed off, frustration nipping her very being. She felt like the rug had been pulled out from under her. How was she supposed to move on? How was she supposed to simply be?

"I'll explain the best I can. There are situations like mine and Landon's, where two packs exist in one location. Alpha's were not meant to follow, but to lead. That can't happen when there are two in the area."

"And you can't just, split up territory?"

"It doesn't work that way. Territory has a vast amount of meanings in my world. Territory means more than a state, or town. Territory comes with allies, enemies, resources."

"I still don't see why you can't share. Or did mommy not teach that in the sandbox?" She grew bitter again. This conversation seemed pointless. Two men, angry, wanting something they couldn't have. Sounded a lot like humanity to Venus, and to be honest, she was damn well sick of humanity right now.

"Landon and I can't battle without a Guardian. You. In past centuries, the Guardians helped settle disputes, and when the time is right, place herself beside a pack. The losing pack becomes a part of the other and the Alpha is often turned away to exile or is forced to abandon his rank to be part of the pack as the lowest rank."

"That sounds awful. And stupid." She said.

"It may seem that way, but there is more involved. Politics, and trade. Wits. There are other Peacekeepers with different agendas. They're all powerful, and they disobey the laws because they created them. The head council member is very old and believes in the Prophecy more than he believes in anything else. He'll do anything to see it through."

Venus sat back on the couch, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, as though to calm herself.

"I don't want to be apart of this. Fix it yourself."

"We've tried. But Peacekeepers are the rule makers of my world. We obey them. To disobey the law is nearly treason and seen as a minor uprising in the system. Those who go against the order of the council are sent to a Peacekeeper, one in particular, who sees punishment."

"So you're telling me, that you're an Alpha, as well as Landon and you both have Superiority Complex problems, but you take orders from a secret government?"

Well, when she put it that way it almost made Demetri cringe.

"It's a complex way of life. You have to be apart of it to understand it."

"What if I refuse this whole Guardian-thing?"

"Well, it's never happened before in history. Every prophecy is slightly different but the gist remains the same. 200 years ago, when the last woman denied her job she was murdered, and the two packs fought until no one survived. The same thing happened with the previous prophecy before that one. The packs will die off if a side is not chosen."

A hollow pit formed in Venus's heart. The weight of responsibility hit her like a tidal wave and she found herself angry once more. Angry at the world. Angry for everything it ever did to her. Was she cursed? Couldn't she just get a break?

"You know, when I was younger, I was often forced to pick a side. And every single time, in the end, it came back to haunt me. Someone always ended up hurt, and I always felt terrible because it was my fault. But that was the game. I made the decisions that were forced upon me and reaped what they offered, and it was never good. I don't think I can help you with this. You've both managed fine without me this whole time. I'm not special, I'm not meant for this."

"With a name like, Venus Skaarsgard, one would think otherwise."

"My mother believed in love. What better way than to name your daughter after the planet of love to show that belief?" She asked, but stared at her hands like she was talking to them.

Demetri didn't know what to say. He was incredibly surprised that he'd gotten this far with her. He'd expected to have been thrown out like yesterday's dinner. Yet here he was, getting somewhere for the first time.

"There are other parts of the Prophecy. We'll leave that be for now."

She nodded.

"I have another question."

He raised an eyebrow.

"Was it real? You...was it an act to get me to take your side over Landon's?"

The question swirled inside of Demetri. He looked at those hard eyes. They were a dark, forest green. They used to symbolize the forest and the earth, everything a wolf needed to survive. And looking into those eyes now, he knew that she would be the forest and the earth, all within good time.

"While I did want you to choose me, yes. It was real."

She nodded, and said nothing. Demetri let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding.

"I can't trust you."

He could have flinched.

"I know. I wouldn't either."

She looked at him one last time.

"What is then, that you want Demetri?"

In that moment, he could see it all. He was ruling his pack, well his and the Silver pack. He could see the way that others cherished every word he said, knowing they would eat it up like honey. The amount of power and strength he wanted, all inside of him after he won the Final Battle. And yet, to his side, there was Venus. Ruling by his side. Despite the short amount of time they'd spent together, he knew that they were destined to have more. But she wasn't ready to hear that yet.

He began to lean in, eyes zeroing in her dry lips. But she backed away and put a hand to his mouth.

"No."

While he bristled at being told no, like a child, he scowled but backed away. She would need time and he would need to be patient. But he's been patient, all his life, waiting for her. Craving her and yet never being able to have her. He waited this long, he could wait longer. Even if it destroyed him, he would wait.

"You have yet to prove yourself to me, Demetri Williams. And I'll have yet to see if I give you that chance. As far as I know, everyone is at traitor, and that involves you as the lead role along my two best friends. I'm not ready for you right now."

He clenched his jaw, and clenched his fists.

"Okay."

He got up, and began to make his way towards the new door.

"Oh," Venus chimed from behind.

With his back to her, he froze.

"No more secrets, Demetri. I know you have more to tell me, but no more going behind my back. I'll forgive you when I want, and where I want. I'm playing by my own rules. Not yours anymore. I hope you know this, because I'm not going to be anyone's puppet."

Her tone came off as warning, like a porcupine preparing to launch its needles at a foe.

He smiled, and though she couldn't see it, she could almost feel it.

And like that, her spark flickered, and there was hope for the fire to burn once more. He knew Venus would be strong again. But she needed this vulnerability to adjust to the way life was going to be for her.

Yes, they had a long ways to go, and he was ready. She would be too.

Unknown

"She knows. The girl knows!"

"We have to kill her, we have to find a new Guardian!"

"That goes against the law! Against the Prophecy!"

I clicked my fingernails against the glass table in a rhythm that that soothed my ears.

"The girl is not a problem to us. The other half of the prophecy is, my dear council members, Venus is strong. But this other girl, she doesn't quite realize her job."

"And that is?" Luca asked, narrowing his eyes at me. I smiled.

"She will be the first to ignite war. She will choose the obvious alliance of course. The Prophecy has changed. The Decision has already been made my friends. Blood will run wild against the noose of the heart."

"And? This new Guardian?"

"She will be easy to manipulate. But do not underestimate her, and do not underestimate Venus. We all know how easily Guardians let loose their power when under the influence."

I received whispers around the room. We looked up at our chandelier. On hung tiny glass figurines. No one knew what they were from a distance, but we did. The bodies of Guardians who failed.

"So, two Guardians. This means that the Final Battle will be-"

"Inevitable. These are large packs, Henry. This means that without one Guardian to overpower one pack over the other, the two will end in a tie."

"But there are no ties," Luca spat in disbelief.

"Exactly."

"And this Guardian? Who is she?"

I let out a smile. This would be a delicious war.

"Brooke Silver. "

Imagine it. The blood, Brooke Silver tied to Landon Silver, versus the noose of the heart, Demetri and Venus. This would be the greatest battle that ever took place in the history. So much so, that perhaps it would finally be the time of those who walk as both man and wolf, to come to an end.

WOAH

okay. I need thoughts pronto.

TBH I knew this would happen all along! I always wanted Brooke as her counterpart. For a minute, I though Moira. But no, she needs the ally. Then I thought maybe some random bitch, but then thought NAH WHY DON'T WE JUST HAVE AN ALL OUT BLOOD BATH YO