Novel & Cerita Never Once Did We Walk Alone

“We’d know if they weren’t.” “How?” “Because we’re still standing,” he said. “And because they’re ours. Just like we’re theirs.” I nodded again. He held my hand. And then we kept walking. The sky shifted slowly above us, the day blooming brighter. The scent of home drifted faintly in the breeze—familiar trees, worn paths, distant howls. We were almost there. And this time… We weren’t coming back alone. We were coming back changed. Not glowing. Not as secret chosen ones. Not powered. (At least for Aya, Brinn and Sari’s part.)

But there’s no one. We’re alone in the middle of the territory. How fast were we going to already be so far from the bonfire celebration? And still, he’s marching at dizzying speed deeper into the dark of night. “A-Alpha Thane?”

I suddenly remember the song called We and Us. I flashed out a smile as I looked beside me. The mug across me remained untouch, but let's just say that you are sitting across me and reminiscing with me. I'll only do this once, so I'll just let myself become delusional even just for once. Perks of being alone. You can do everything without being ashamed or embarrassed.

How many things didn't we know about each other? But they all were random talks that warmed everything. For the first time, I didn't feel alone. I wasn't alone. ______________

"Well do it again." "We are going. We are adults. We have to learn to navigate the world and see things at some point, why not start now? You heard Mira, we will be super cautious. We promise. We'll talk constantly. You can call or text us anytime, but we are adults and we are going. It's not questionable. We just wanted to tell you guys up front before we went anywhere so you would not worry." The parents exchange looks now, and I reach over Ore to clasp Chey's hand in support. "I wish I could go..." Ore whines. My heart sinks a little, feeling guilty. Ore feels like a brother to me, and a bit like my own child at times. I love him.

They'll go find their own happiness. But you—you and I—we'll keep walking together for as long as life lets us. And when I look back at everything I've been through, I know I must've done something *really* good, because in the end, you came into my life. And now, I know—I won't die alone." "No, you'll never be alone again, my love. Never…" "Thank you, my love…"

I did not have to be a rocket scientist to guess who was behind this. This photo album contained all the pictures Zach and I had taken over the years. I had bought this album not long after Zach came into my life, and every year we would fill it up with photographs of memorable trips. Zach had sworn he would cherish this photo album until the end of his days, because it was a tangible representation of our shared memories together. Alas, he allowed Thalia to defile it like a child's art project. Perhaps he himself had taken part in the vandalization.

“None of us will ever be alone again.” As the fire crackled softly in the hearth and the world outside faded into silence, I felt the burdens of the day start to lift, replaced by the unwavering camaraderie of the men by my side. We embraced the darkness of the night, united in the knowledge that no matter what trials awaited us, we would confront them together.

I said “But that doesn’t mean you’re alone” She turned away and that felt worse than a wound The Order stepped back into shadow melting like mist into the night But they didn’t leave without whispering “She’ll return when you break her for the last time” When they were gone I stepped closer She didn’t move “I’m sorry” I said “For every time I made you feel like you had to carry this alone” She didn’t answer Just reached for me Her fingers brushed mine and the bond sparked for a second Weak But alive Her eyes met mine

She raised her hand, and the ground split beneath us. I fell, screaming, into dark. Not alone. Never alone.