The Beta’s Regret

Queen Eden.

The nsounded like two simple words but carried a weight that seemed almost too heavy forto bear.

I watched the crowd, the hope on their faces, the expectation. I was suddenly placed on a pedestal, like a golden image that the people marveled at.

I never felt anything like this before.

I felt a strong urge to cower, to slowly take a step back until I was far away from here, but I couldn't bring myself to move. Something or someone helddown. I could feel the soothing presence of the moon goddess... And I knew right then that I was born to do this, to lead.

My parents, Beauty and Adonis, stood by my side, their support like a solid pillar.

I felt vulnerable, being here among these people and receiving a reverence that was more than I had expected. These people believed in me, not because of my heritage, they believed in my strengths despite my flaws, and now that my mate is gone, I would be the one to lead them.

And then, there was our baby too.

My eyes stung as I thought about the things I would have to do without Eros by my side. This might be a great challenge, but I would not back down. Not now.

I felt a strange sensation hitin my chest; my mind was suddenly filled with thoughts of Eros, and I quietly craved him, his touch, the feel of him against me, his warmth, and, most of all, his love.

Even though everyone tellshe is gone, a part ofstill refuses to believe it...

"Eden!" I heard Beauty say softly.

I turned to her, and she slowly nodded to the audience. "You should say something," she said.

I looked back at the crowd of people who patiently waited for the words I was going to speak.

I closed my eyes, a part ofwilling all the strength I could gather, then I lifted my chin, and even though I felt a deep ache for my mate, I refused to let them see my loss. I needed to be strong, not just for myself, but for the people that have solely decided to put their trust in me.

I opened my eyes and boldly met the stares of as many people as I could; then I placed a hand firmly on my chest.

"We are one people," I started. "United by love, trust, and loyalty. Sof us have lost our families." My voice broke. "Brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers... mates and beloveds." I paused and waited for the people to soak in the weight of my words.

A few people shed tears that they wiped away quickly.

"We have lost so much. We have been ripped off of what we once held dear to our heart. Our souls have been torn from the inside out. We have suffered the greatest loss." I heard a few sniffs. My hands shook slightly. I could hear Tiana whine in my head. She mourned the loss of Beast.

I felt tempted to break into tears and run into my father's arms once again, but I stayed my ground and collected my emotions. With a shaky smile, I continued.

"But we are still here. We will start over from scratch if we have to, and rebuild together. We will reclaim what we once lost and rebuild our land. Werewolves and Vampires, we are one!" I shouted.

"We are one!" The people replied in a loud chant, followed by a loud cheer.

Even though they looked excited and hopeful with my words, the fear in the air was heavy, and I knew that it would take much more than a few words to get these people in the right place.

I felt a light touch on my shoulder. I looked back to see Beauty and Adonis givinga soft smile, almost as if they heard my thoughts.

"You are not alone in this." Beauty said softly.

Adonis nodded. "We will be with you every step of the way. We are with you, my queen." He said the last part with a bow.

Beauty bowed, and then my parents did the same, and I felt comforted.

I wasn't alone.

Even though Eros isn't here, I still had people who lovedand believed in me.

Even though I still felt a sting of sorrow and pain in me, I had something else that I hadn't felt since I heard of Eros's death. Hope.

I faced the crowd once more and held my hand up. Immediately, a hushed silence fell over them.

"Giveyour clan representatives; we will hold a meeting at midnight to discuss the way forward. Good day!" With that, I stepped back, and the crowd murmured as they began to disperse into their various groups.

**** Later that night, 23, including Adonis, Beauty, and my father, and the 20 representatives, stood beforein my tent, their faces etched with determination.

My mother was absent. She was taking care of my child and Lyra's.

I watched the room. I needed to know everything I could so I would know the right thing to do.

"Tellabout the battle? How bad did we do?" One of the men stepped out. Like my father, he had a scar that ran through the sides of his face.

"My Queen." He greeted me. "The rogues were ruthless. They killed everyone in sight. We lost most of our best warriors to the war, and those that are left here are either injured or too weak to fight. The rest were taken as captives. I frowned. "Captives? To where?"

"We don't know for sure, but we believe it's the palace. But we have no idea why they were taken." he En.

responded

I nodded. It was obvious Pison had a plan, and we needed to know exactly it bor what it was before we could succeed.

I stood up.

"We must act." I said. "We need information, and we need it fast." I looked around at the representatives and pointed out four men. One of them had a huge stature, while the other three could easily blend in unnoticed.

"Four of you. You will be our eyes and ears in the palace. Be careful to make sure you are not caught." They knelt down and said in unison, "Yes, my Queen." "Hurry, go now." I instructed.

The men stood up and rushed out. I turned to others and nodded.

"We will speak further when the men bring us news. Goodnight." There was a chorus of greetings as they slipped out one after the other.