Can you guys believe we’re already at the finale?! I can’t! Book three has been a RIDE, and I’m so excited for the future of this series (YES! There’s more!).
I do have to give a quick content warning! This chapter will touch upon a subject of loss. I don’t want to give too many spoilers, but it does deal with the loss of a loved one. The future chapters will as well, so I’m giving one general warning now since this topic will be touched upon in the future chapters as well.
With that out of the way, let’s get into part one of the finale!
Chapter Nine; Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing (Book Finale Part One)
The crowds of paparazzi cheered and clicked photos as we walked, arm in arm. They better not get the wrong idea. Sure, I like Andrew. He’s really nice and a great friend, but I don’t need a relationship right now. It’s the last thing on my mind with my mother on the loose.
“Princess Mariah, Prince Andrew!” A reporter yelled, holding a microphone out to us. Andrew looked at me and politely held his hand up.
“Are you two officially a couple?” Another reporter shouted from the other side. I rolled my eyes. We ignored the comments as we approached the carriage. I really wanted to comment back, but I felt like it would be best if I didn’t.
“I know this is,” she paused, remembering who we were near, ‘new to you, Mariah. But it’s obvious you like him.” Olivia explained, holding paws with Prince Ethan. I rolled my eyes.
“Even if I did, you know I don’t have time to do that.” I said, pointing to her and Prince Ethan. I was taking the context clues that they were dating.
“Relationships aren’t really that time consuming.” Liam explained, trying to help Andrew out. I looked at Andrew, who looked really confused.
“I’m sorry, Andrew. Just with everything going on, I don’t think I-” I started, but he cut me off.
“I know you have a lot on your plate with,” he paused, quickly clearing his throat, “everything, but I really like you. I can’t force your hand, but I would just like to know if you feel the same way.” He explained. I sighed, looking at Olivia.
“How am I supposed to answer this?” She giggled, looking at Ethan before speaking.
“What are your thoughts on Andrew? What qualities does he possess that you find in him?” She asked. Liam and Ethan were slightly confused on where Olivia was going with this, but they were listening. Andrew was staring at me in anticipation.
“Well, he’s my best friend. He’s really nice. I’m not good at this kind of emotional stuff.” I sighed, rubbing my head.
“It’s a start.” Olivia explained, looking at Andrew.
“Does he do anything specific that you find nice?” She asked. I shrugged.
“He’s always been supportive of me with everything, especially soccer. We always pair up for warmups, and we’re always laughing and having a good time. I’ve never really felt uncomfortable around him because I feel like I can be myself. And if there is a problem, I feel like I can tell him. I do admire him I suppose, but I don’t think it’s in the sense you’re asking for. Sure, I like being around him and texting him, but isn’t that just a friendship? Wanting to be around him all the time because I no longer feel so lonely? Like I’ve found someone who truly understands me and likes me for me? Feeling like there’s someone in Jamaa that I feel like I can trust with anything? Not feeling so empty anymore?” I explained. Andrew’s face turned red, and Olivia’s eyes widened.
“Was that-?” Andrew started, and Olivia nodded, clapping her hands.
“What? Did I do something?” I asked. She squealed, jumping out of her seat.
“You do like him! That’s exactly what it means to like someone!” She exclaimed, finally happy that I understood it. I looked at Andrew. Did I really like him like that? I mean, sure, I feel like I always have to keep him safe, but I feel that for the entire land of Jamaa. However, that feeling is stronger with Andrew, like I can’t even imagine what I’d do if he was lost like Olivia was. I don’t think I’d ever forgive myself. Is this “liking” someone? Do I like Andrew? Ugh, this is all so confusing!
“I guess?” I questioned, shrugging my shoulders. Olivia clapped. Liam fistbumped Ethan.
“Being friends does fill a gap of emptiness, but there’s a certain emptiness that you feel like someone likes you for you is a like-like! Finally it only took a year.” Olivia teased Andrew, whose face went red.
“I knew you weren’t much of a lady’s man, but a year is absurd.” Prince Ethan teased him, as Andrew slightly chuckled. The carriage pulled up to the school, which was beautifully decorated from the inside out with decor for the dance. Prince Ethan and Olivia went out first, and Princess Emily and Liam followed shortly after. I peaked my head out to see even more paparazzi.
“It’s alright,” I heard Andrew say, “I don’t like them either. It’s weird.” He said, looking at me. He held out his arm, and I happily accepted it.
***
I tapped my fingers on the side of my dress anxiously as we entered the large ballroom. Music was blasting through the speakers, there were hundreds of maids and guards circling the room, and even the Alphas could be seen in their armor. They knew just as much as I did that this was a breeding ground for a phantom invasion, but they didn’t want to worry Jamaa. I understood that.
“It’s gonna be alright.” Andrew reassured me, but I shook my head. I appreciated the support, but I knew it was only words. The entire kingdom was at stake, and I was standing here in a dress, in this hall like a sitting duck. I looked around frantically, trying to locate Olivia and Liam. They were on other sides, enjoying themselves. I suppose it’s easier to let the nerves go when it’s not your mother trying to attack tonight. I locked eyes with Liza, who gave me a smile and a wave. I waved back, and I knew she could sense my nerves. She nodded at me slowly before turning her head to face Sir Gilbert. Before I could reply to Andrew, the song changed from an upbeat to slow song. Andrew smiled, holding out his paw.
“Can I have this dance, Mariah?” He asked. I was happy he didn’t refer to me as “Princess,” which is what I was always getting. It was tiring being referred to a title you truly never felt fit you. I nodded, accepting his paw. He held my paw with one paw, and wrapped the other around my waist lightly. I remembered the dancing portion of my manners class, so I put my other hand on his shoulder. As much as I hated dancing, it was fun to do it with someone I liked. We had fun with it, laughing as he pointed out how Prince Ethan and Olivia were awkwardly slow dancing close together. Liam and Princess Emily were hugging, moving slowly to the beat of the music.
“You know, this type of dancing isn’t that bad.” I said as the song finished. Another slow song was playing, so we continued to dance.
“I had a feeling slow dancing wasn’t much of your jam.” Andrew laughed, twirling me around. I smiled.
“I don’t want to force your hand, and I know you have so much going on with your mother and everything. But I would love it if you could give me a shot.” He said, looking straight into my eyes. I looked around, still slightly paranoid about my mother secretly attacking.
“I-” I began, but I began to hear a familiar, faint cackle. I instantly let go of Andrew’s paw, twisting around to look for my mother. Nothing.
“Hey, are you alright?” He asked, putting a hand on my shoulder. I looked at him, eyes filling with tears. I was scared, and I hated to admit that. He gave me a warm embrace as a few tears dripped onto his suit.
“It’s alright to be nervous. But I promise everything is going to be okay.” He said, releasing the hug. I wiped my eyes, nodding. I explained what I had heard, and he looked around as well. He shrugged.
“And don’t say it’s just my nerves because I might actually hit you.”
“I’m not sure, but I don’t want it to ruin the evening.” He said. I sighed. You really think you’re a princess? My eyes darted around the room. Enough is enough.
“What’s wrong?” Andrew asked.
“She’s taunting me.” I hissed. She wants me to expose who I am. She’s toying with me.
“Mariah I don’t hear anything-” He began, but suddenly there was a bright flash outside the window. Screams filled the hall as a window broke. Before I could run over to help, a crippling siren call caused me to fall to my knees and cover my ears.
“Mariah!” Andrew explained, rushing down to help me. I knew whoever reigned the phantoms could use the siren call, but I didn’t know any royalty could.
“She’s here.” I whispered quietly, standing up slowly. I touched my pocket, feeling the familiar touch of my bracelet. Andrew shook his head.
“Absolutely not.” He said, taking my paw out of my pocket. I pulled my paw away from his grasp.
“This is my fault. My responsibility.” I said, but Andrew quickly pulled me outside the hall and into a hallway.
“Where are you, my dear?” My mother’s voice rang through the halls, the sound of more shattering windows blaring through the halls. Olivia and Liam.
“Where are you going!” I heard Andrew scream.
“I have to get my siblings out of here.” I said calmly, rushing in.
“Wait!” He said, but I was already running full speed into the hall. My eyes darted around for any sight of Liam or Olivia, and I quickly found Olivia huddling with a group of kids. I ushered all of them out into the hallways, as three kids were already calling someone on their phones. I looked to see the Alphas fighting the hundreds of phantoms that were storming the ballroom, but they were no match. Sir Gilbert was down, and Peck was doing everything she could to protect him.
“There you are!” I heard my mother’s demonic voice cackle, a blast flying in my direction. Shoot.
“Enough of this!” I shouted, looking straight at her. Her laugh could be heard from miles away as it rang through the cracked windows. I stood there as her phantoms ran rampant around me, scaring other Jammers into fleeing the room. I was afraid, but I wouldn’t let her see that. I couldn’t let her see that.
“You’re going to defy me? I thought we would destroy this pathetic world together!” Mother cackled, but I shook my head.
“The only thing being destroyed is your reign, mother.” I said, watching as the people around me were horrified. I sighed. I guess sometimes things don’t happen as expected, but they happen for a reason.
“You think you can beat me? You’re pathetic! You’ve let your powers rust, Mariah.” She fought back, but I laughed.
“You think I’ve stopped using my powers just because I left? Because I’m a pretty little princess? Get a grip. I’ve been waiting for the day you showed up. The day I could finally prove to you that I’m not what you wanted me to be, and I’m happy with that. The day I finally showed you who I am. Not who you want me to be.” I said as the Alphas stood behind me. I pulled out my bracelet, slipping it onto my wrist. Liza nodded, putting a hand on my shoulder. I felt a surge of confidence run through my body. I instantly transformed, causing the people remaining in the room to gasp. I saw reporters outside the door, snapping photos. I’m sorry Dad.
“You’re pathetic little lie has gone down the drain, dear. You’ve played pretend long enough. It’s time you come to your senses.” My mother said, almosting looking intimidated. I blasted her with a dark purple energy ball, causing her to fly back. With one stomp on the ground, the surrounding phantoms vanished into dust. How am I doing this?
“Harness your powers, Mariah. You’ve only scratched the surface.” I heard a soft voice ring. Mira? You’re here again. I blasted her again, this time, she deflected it. I instantly pushed a blast into her direction, and she moved just in time to miss it.
“You’re stronger than you believe. Harness the power!” Mira’s voice echoed in the halls as I felt my body heat up. My fingertips glowed purple as I lifted a few inches off the ground. What the HECK!
“NO!” I heard my mother scream, blasting multiple energy blasts in my direction. They bounced right off of me. I’m invincible now? What’s going on?! A large glow began to form around me as my bracelet glowed a bright lavender color. Mira, you better know what you’re doing.
“She’s reaching a more powerful form!” Peck awed, but I started to get nervous. Before I knew what was happening I dropped to the ground and the glow around my body blasted to the ground. It caused everyone in the radius to fly backwards. I fell instantly on my back with a breath.
“Impossible!” My mother called out weakly, as she was pressed against the wall. She stood up slowly, using the wall for balance. I didn’t want to hurt her!
“What just happened?” I turned to Liza, but she turned me quickly to face my mother. The Alphas took the opportunity of weakness to continue to battle my mother. I helped fight off the phantoms who still remained, awaiting a command from my mother.
“It’s over, Hatchi. Your reign of terror on Jamaa is finished today.” Sir Gilbert said, holding up his staff. The Alphas joined in, a rainbow glowing from their staffs.
“Please don’t hurt her!” I shrieked. Their staffs stayed in the air as my mother smirked. She blasted me one final time, sending me to the other wall. I felt a large blow to my head before my eyes closed.
***
When I opened my eyes again, I saw the glow of Liza’s staff overtop of me. I blinked a few times to get my full vision back to see Andrew, Olivia, Liam, Xavier, and Lucy standing over top of me as well as the other Alphas. My head was pounding, but I was alright. A strand of hair covered half of my right eye’s vision, and it was a dark purple strand of hair. Did that change my hair?
“She’s okay!” I heard Lucy whisper, wiping a tear from her face.
“Of course I was okay.” I said, rubbing my head.
“Major concussion, but with my magic, it should be healed within a few days. If you took any harder of a hit, I don’t know how you would’ve survived.” Liza said, rubbing her head.
“That’s lovely.” I said, trying to stand up. Andrew instantly was at my side, helping me up. I saw reporters flooding in the room as I sighed.
“I’m sorry.” I said quietly, but Xavier quickly hushed me.
“You were amazing. I’m so proud of you.” He said, causing me to burst into tears. I fell into his arms as he gave me a warm embrace. Liam and Olivia joined in, and so did Lucy. A family hug. I’ve always wanted one of those. Andrew hugged me next, holding me tightly. I was in slight pain, but I was just happy he was safe.
“I was so worried.” He said, still holding onto me. I wasn’t sure what to say, so I cleared my throat.
“I’m okay.” I said as he laughed at my confusion. “A bit of a headache but I’m alright.”
“Thank Mira.” Xavier chuckled. Reporters came running over to us, but guards quickly stopped them.
“I heard her today.” I turned to Liza. She raised an eyebrow.
“Mira?” She asked. I nodded.
“She’s always watching over us, you know.” Xavier smiled, putting a hand on my shoulder.
“And I’m sure she’s so proud of you.” Liza said, looking at me. I quickly stopped smiling as I tried to look around for any sight of my mother. I looked at Liza, and her smile faded too.
“What happened to her? Did she-?” I asked, and Liza put her hands on my shoulders. No.
“T-there’s no way. Right? Even telling me she escaped again would be better than that.” I said, pleading as tears streamed my face.
“I’m so sorry, honey.” Liza said, pulling me in for a hug. I sobbed into her shoulder, feeling a piece of my heart breaking.
“She was a monster, but she was my mom.” I said through tears. She fell into the wrong life, and I really wanted to help her see the light that I was shown. Everyone deserves a second chance, and I wanted to give her that chance. It wasn’t fair to her. I know that she loved me, but she was blinded by power and too angry to see anything but hatred. I wanted to clear her judgment. I wanted her to see me, not a title that I supposedly hold. Everyone deserves a second chance, but perhaps my mother didn’t want that chance.
***
We got back to the castle, and it was swarmed with thousands of Jammers and reporters. Some people were angry, being pushed away from the carriage by guards. Others were confused on what the heck they just witnessed. I was back in my gown, as I did detransform before getting into the carriage. I had to admit, my new suit was stylish. My hair was now back to my dark purple color, and I was honestly excited to be able to be myself for now on. However, I knew this outrage was coming, and I am not excited for that.
“We need to get Mariah straight into the castle.” Xavier alerted the guards. People were yelling, demanding answers.
“People of Jamaa! I promise your answers will come soon enough once Princess Mariah is in the right state to speak publicly!” My father yelled out to the crowd, which only caused more outrage. Right now, I just wanted to see Aura. She always knew how to cheer me up.
“Mariah, I’m going to need you to stand in the middle of the two guards outside the door, alright?” Xavier asked, I nodded. I was zoning in and out of reality, longing for this all to just be a dream. Andrew had left when we did, and thankfully he only managed to get a few cuts and bruises from flying debris. I got out of the carriage, standing in between the guards like Xavier said. Lucy and Xavier guided Liam and Olivia out of the carriage, who also looked absolutely terrified. People tried to push their way past the guards holding them back, but it wasn’t working. Someone ended up pushing past, grabbing my arm. I yanked it away.
“Freak!” The man shrieked before he was taken out of the crowd all together. I looked at Xavier, who put his hand on my shoulder. I teared up, trying to keep myself from crying again. My eyes were still puffy, and it was obvious that I had been crying for a while. We reached the doors, and they instantly shut behind us quickly.
Things will never be the same, will they?