Queen Of Darkness

Chapter Four: A Familiar Face

The afternoon sun cast a warm glow over Silverpine as Kali and Mason made their way through the town, following the clerk's directions to the old Soren residence. The house, a modest yet charming cottage, stood at the edge of a small, wooded area. It looked as if it had been well cared for, a testament to the enduring love and respect for Kali's parents.

Kali paused at the gate, her heart pounding in her chest. "This is it," she said softly, glancing at Mason for reassurance.

He squeezed her hand gently. "We'll get through this together."

As they approached the door, it opened before they could knock. A woman with striking blue eyes and silver-streaked hair stood in the doorway, her expression a mix of shock and recognition. "Kali?" she whispered, her voice trembling.

Kali's eyes widened in surprise. "Yes, I'm Kali. How did you know?"

The woman stepped forward, tears streaming down her face. "I’m your aunt, Elena. We thought you were lost forever."

Kali's heart leapt. "Aunt Elena," she repeated, her voice filled with wonder. "I can't believe it."

Elena embraced Kali tightly, her emotions spilling over. "Oh, my dear, we searched for you for so long. Your parents... they never gave up hope."

Mason watched the reunion with a smile, feeling the weight of their journey lifting. "I'm Mason," he introduced himself, offering a handshake.

Elena smiled warmly at him. "Thank you for bringing her home."

Inside the cottage, Elena led them to a cozy sitting room filled with family photographs and mementos. "This was your parents' home," she explained, motioning to the pictures. "They were deeply loved in this community. Your father, a werewolf, and your mother, a vampire, broke many barriers with their love."

Kali looked around in awe, her gaze landing on a photo of her parents holding a baby—her. "Tell me about them," she urged, eager to know more.

Elena settled into an armchair, her expression nostalgic. "Your mother, Selene, was a healer with a gift much like yours. She could mend wounds and soothe pain with just a touch. Your father, Aric, was the strongest Alpha the region had ever seen, yet he had the gentlest heart. Their union was controversial, but their love won over even the most skeptical."

Mason listened intently, fascinated by the history. "What happened to them?" he asked gently.

Elena sighed, her eyes darkening with sorrow. "There was an attack by a rogue pack when you were just a baby. They fought bravely to protect you, but... they didn't survive. We searched for you, but you had vanished without a trace."

Kali's heart ached at the loss, but knowing the truth brought a sense of closure. "I was found by the Blood Moon pack," she said, her voice steady. "They raised me as one of their own."

Elena reached out to hold her hand. "I'm so grateful you had a family to care for you. And now, you're home."

The evening was filled with stories and memories, as Elena recounted tales of Kali's parents and their legacy. As the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, a sense of peace settled over Kali. She had found her roots, her history, and a part of herself she never knew was missing.

As they prepared to leave, Elena stood with them at the door. "There’s one more thing," she said, her tone serious. "Your parents left something for you. A journal. It's filled with their thoughts, their hopes for you, and... a secret about your true heritage."

Kali's eyes widened. "A secret?"

Elena nodded. "It's time you knew everything, Kali. Your parents were royalty, yes, but there’s more to your story than even I understand. The journal is hidden in the old oak tree behind the house. Your mother said you would know when the time was right to find it."

With a mixture of anticipation and trepidation, Kali thanked her aunt and promised to return soon. As she and Mason made their way to the old oak tree, the night air filled with the promise of new revelations and deeper connections.