Atlas POV
It was an extraordinary experience to regain my childhood memories that had been concealed from me. But then, uncovering the truth about my past with Mia brought everything into focus. I finally understood why I had been dreaming of her all along - those dreams were fragments of a past life, a life where I had lost her. A past I swore would never repeat itself. Our loyal friends had made great sacrifices so that Mia and I could fulfill our true purpose. But it wasn't just about that, it was about being together again. The memories from a different life merged with my present emotions in a strange but comforting way.
I recall now how Mia and I went against our families to be with each other. We defied numerous odds fueled by our love. I remember my promise to always protect her, a promise that still resonates within me. Our love had granted us powers to save the world, and our vow was to protect it at all costs. However, I also remember the price we paid - starting with Mia's life. The pain of losing her felt like a part of my soul being torn away. I remember charging at our enemies with every ounce of strength, determined not to let her down. And when the moon Goddess approached me, offering another chance in the future, I vowed to not fail Mia this time. We were destined to defeat evil once and for all, and to have the future we so fiercely fought for.

My love for her consumed every fiber of my being, and I was willing to protect her at any cost. As we sat with Bryn and Flint, a newfound power surged through me, not just from Mia, but from within myself. It was an odd yet invigorating sensation. My senses sharpened, making everything more vibrant. Sounds became stronger, and even my eyesight seemed to perceive things from afar. "It is to help us battle better," spoke Brutus, explaining the heightened abilities.
He too had forgotten these past memories, and as he adjusted, it seemed to make him even more protective of Mia. When we finally sat down, he couldn't calm down until I pulled her into my lap. However, she didn't seem to mind at all. Mia spoke first, her voice carrying a mix of excitement and surprise as she explained everything we had learned to Bryn and Flint. Their expressions showed their shock and disbelief.
"I never expected you two were reborn," Bryn said, her words filled with astonishment. "Although I did hear a version of the original Fated couple, the one who had such pure love that the moon Goddess created the mate bond. It allowed werewolves and Lycans to sense their soulmates. It was a tale of forbidden love. I just had no idea it was you two. You both are said to have the purest souls and the strongest bond since you are the first."
Bryn continued, a smile spreading across her face. "I guess that's why you two are always so affectionate with each other." Flint chuckled in agreement as I reached into my pocket and pulled out two stones. I handed them to Mia, their smooth surface cool against my palm.
"We learned that within these relics, the goddess also gifted us the power to choose two new protectors to fight alongside us," I explained. "The power is within these stones, and the protectors must simply accept them by placing some of their blood on them. Bryn and Flint, we would like for you two to be the gifted ones."
Flint looked at us, his shock evident in his eyes and his voice trembling. "You... want... um... are you sure? I mean, wow... YES!" His overwhelming excitement filled the air. Bryn gazed at us with gratitude and determination.

"Thank you. This is a great honor, and one I promise to live up to," she said, her voice filled with sincerity. "I gladly accept being a protector and helping the two of you.”
"Thank you," Mia said with a smile, her voice filled with happiness. "I am so happy you two accept. Flint, I believe that by accepting the stone, you will transform into a Lycan. Bryn, I'm sure it will strengthen your powers." Mia said.
"That being said, I may feel new power coursing through me. But at the moment, especially with Atlas at my side, I'm not feeling overwhelmed. So how about the two of you take some time on your own to accept the powers and relax? Atlas and I will take care of everything for the day." Mia suggested.
We were well aware of the importance of them quickly accepting this newfound power. Our days of hiding were numbered, and it was time for us to take action. Despite my worries for Mia, who would have to face the witches once again and confront her painful past, I had unwavering trust in her strength and abilities.

Bryn and Flint lingered with us a little longer, engaging in conversation. Mia explained how she had been granted fragments of her past life memories. Those memories revealed that even back then, there were attempts to seize her power for purposes other than her own. She believed that the warlock had used these individuals as vessels to store her power, as the spell required multiple sacrifices. It made me wonder if Alpha Artemis simply a sacrificial pawn.
Curiosity got the better of Bryn, and she asked Mia how she had died in her past life. It was a valid question, one that we needed to address and avoid repeating. Mia answered, acknowledging that not every memory was clear. However, it appeared that she had been trapped by some weapon or power, and her power had been successfully transferred to those they were working with. She couldn't recall the exact details, but she knew she managed to escape and engage in a battle against them. Unfortunately, she was struck with something, and her recollection abruptly ended. She had already been weakened from the torment she endured while captured.
The atmosphere was tense as Mia shared these details, the weight of her past traumas palpable in the air. We knew that we had to prepare ourselves for the impending confrontation, for Mia's sake and for the sake of everyone.
I tightened my grip around Mia, feeling the warmth of her body against mine. The thought of losing her was unbearable. Bryn and Flint retreated to their room, ready to embark on their journey of acquiring new powers. Mia stood up, her eyes filled with affection, and suggested, "Let's go for a run. Inara needs to stretch her legs." I nodded in agreement, and together we ventured outside, searching for a secluded spot to undress.
As I transformed into my Lycan form, Mia approached me, her hand gently stroking my fur. "Your silver streaks have returned," she marveled before shifting herself. With the sun illuminating her golden tips, we darted forward, the wind caressing my face. This run was a necessity, a means to escape the painful memories of losing her in our past lives. In the midst of our sprint, a fierce growl escaped my throat. "Atlas, are you alright?" Mia's voice echoed in my mind. "I just don't want to lose you again," I confessed. Through our mental connection,
Mia reassured me, "I understand. We have been given another chance." With renewed determination, she accelerated, and I matched her pace. "I won't let them capture you," I vowed through our link.
"I know you will do everything in your power to protect me. But we must prepare for all possibilities. In my previous life, and even in this one, I have made the mistake of believing I can handle everything alone. I thought I could escape my past life by running and fighting without support. I repeated this error when I pushed Flint away at the attack by Bryn's house. But now, I have learned my lesson. I have a team who is willing to fight for me, and I will accept their help and wait for it. If they do manage to capture me this time, I know you will come and find me, Atlas. And even though I may resist, I will wait for you instead of taking on more than I can handle."Mia responded, her voice filled with conviction. As we continued our run, Mia's words resonated in my mind.
I wanted to be there all the time to protect her, yet I knew there would be moments when we might get separated. But I was content knowing that she trusted I would always come for her. Inara let out a loud howl, her voice echoing through the forest. Suddenly, she turned around and leaped at me, catching me off guard, causing me to stumble. "You must always be on your guard," Mia's voice laughed in my mind as I regained my balance.
I decided to tackle her as well, and we engaged in playful sparring in our wolf and Lycan forms. Eventually, we made our way back to the palace, the setting sun casting a warm golden glow over the surroundings. Mia shifted back into her human form and got dressed, and I followed suit. "I am eager to learn about the vampires Bryn knows," she confessed. "It's time to start building our small army, forging new alliances and friendships. We will demonstrate to anyone who dares to challenge us that they cannot . I genuinely look forward to our future together." I nodded in agreement. "Once Bryn and Flint have settled in, we'll begin making plans to venture beyond this place. We'll connect with the packs Bryn believes will support us and meet the vampires as well." I responded.
"I guess it's my turn to cook." Mia smirked, adding, "I can't promise I'll be as skilled as you or Bryn, but I'll make us a satisfying meal to celebrate the beginning of an incredible future and the start of our journey tomorrow to build our army." We walked inside, anticipation and excitement filling the air.