Saying goodbye was much harder than Aselia had anticipated. The clouds of gloominess hung low on Lahoire that day. They helped her pack while Rony whined sensing the tenseness in the air.

Razian and Esma were lost for words, although they were trying to put up a bold front their eyes said it all. A deep anguish had settled in them and Aselia couldn’t help but feel guilty.

Esma packed her some homemade cookies and gave her the best of her recipes.

"Sometimes cook for him, he will love it," she instructed like a mother sending away her daughter after marriage. Aselia nodded too emotional to speak.

"Promise you guys will come to visit me," Aselia dejectedly requested.

"We will and when we do we will bring Rony along. Sudden change will upset him and for now, I want you to settle in with him and spend some time alone. Figure everything out," Esma held her close with tears swirling in her eyes.

"Partner it’s time to leave, our jet is here," Yurian informed her while taking away the last of her luggage to be placed in the car. She solemnly nodded and turned her attention to Esma and Razian as they stood in the living room for the final farewell.

"Umm, I am not good at dealing with emotions. I don’t know how to channel them or what’s the right thing to say. But I want both of you to know that I lost my parents at the hands of the man who kidnapped me just at the age of six. I grew up alone, without being surrounded by loved ones. But this past year I felt like I have found a family, and most importantly I found my parents again."

Aselia broke down in that instant hiding her face as tears streamed down in abundance.

"My sweet child. We will always be there to fill that gap," Esma hugged her and let her cry on her shoulder as her own tears flowed carrying her emotions.

Razian helplessly watched, fighting away the tears which threatened to escape as he lovingly held his hand on Aselia’s head. Not speaking but letting her know he was there for her.

"I am calling you mom and dad from now on," Aselia sniffled and both of them beamed with pride. Yurian walked inside and stood at the door, letting them have this beautiful moment.

"Nothing else will make us happier," Razian’s face glowed with the fatherly love he held for the elven girl.

Rony began to whimper along her leg. Aselia shifted her attention to him and wiped away her tears, her nose was cherry red. She patted Rony and hugged him.

"You be a good boy and guard Esma and Razian with your life. Don’t let any harm come to them," she instructed and he barked in agreement. His big intelligent eyes were sad and his ears were downcast, with his ever-wagging tail touching the floor today.

"We need to leave, partner or we will miss our flight," Yurian stepped closer to her and rubbed her arm making her nod and separate from Rony.

A teary goodbye followed and finally, Yurian and Aselia left Lahoire after one year, heading to their old destinations.

Aselia was received as a high-profile celebrity when she arrived at the headquarters of Avarance. A place which had been her home for about 16 years.

Everyone wanted to congratulate and converse with the legendary hunter who killed "The Phantom".

Aldridge personally received her and Yurian as they arrived in the private jet he had sent.

"Welcome back, White Falcon, we are extremely proud of you," Aldridge acknowledged with a broad smile as Aselia shook hands with him and returned his smile.

"Thank you, I didn’t do it alone though. Xiran helped," she answered, a hint of sadness settling inside her heart at his remembrance.

"We know, we tried inviting him as well but he said he is busy because Fritez was attacked again as a last attempt by Phantom to subdue him," Aldridge informed her as they made their way to his office.

Several hunters met them along the way and they seemed to be in awe. Some shook hands, others hugged her, quite a few stared from a distance and whispered among each other while a lot of them passed her smiles and waved.

"You have turned into quite a celebrity here. Every hunter is going to know your name now," Aldridge grinned seeing everyone’s reaction to her.

"Yeah, no more laying low."

Yurian excused himself and ran off to meet some of his other friends while Aldridge took Aselia to his office.

After settling down Aselia extracted the red stake from her jeans and handed it over to Aldridge. He stared at it wide-eyed and Aselia narrated everything in detail to him and concluded:

"That’s how I was able to defeat him. I want you to keep it safe and just hope we never need it again."

"Fascinating indeed, so elves have been responsible for the birth of vampires. We are the same and yet so different," Aldridge was beyond amused. He finally understood the history and well-kept secret of vampire origins.

"Yes, I was baffled too when I learnt of it but it is what it is. With him gone now, I hope laws can change and elves can come out of hiding and begin living in peace," Aselia replied casually leaning back in her chair.

"Yes, we are going to discuss all these matters in the next meeting with the Upper Hierarchy of all the continents. I can sense a better future dawning on us, thanks to hunters like you," he beamed. Although Aselia wanted to take a break she didn’t know how to bring herself to tell him that. She didn’t even know what she will be when she won’t be a hunter because that’s all the elven girl had known and done throughout her life.

"About that, I wanted to talk to you," she carefully said, not knowing how Aldridge would take it.

"Of course, speak freely White Falcon," he gave her a reassuring smile.

"I will be needing to take a break from my hunter duties. To give a chance to a normal life, I want to experience mundane everyday occurrences with no bloodshed, severed limbs, decapitated heads or out-of-the-body hearts. That’s why I would like to resign as a hunter, at least for some time."

She let out a deep breath after these words and waited for his reaction. A weight seemed to have been lifted off her chest, saying it out.

To her disbelief, he knowingly smiled at her instead of his usual grunt.

"I understand White Falcon and you deserve the break after everything you have been through. I accept your resignation but remember you will always be a hunter through and through and our doors will remain open to you."

Although she wanted this, a sense of loss enveloped her. As if she had lost a vital part.

"Thank you for understanding and don’t count me out. It’s going to be temporary," she couldn’t keep the smugness out of her voice and he laughed.

"I can never even think of doing that to the finest hunter I raised. And I do hope you get the best out of life. He is one exemplary man, who worships you. I can see that now. You have a bright future, Falcon."

"I hope so too," Aselia responded, her cheeks blushing from the impact of his words.

They sat there reminiscing and laughing together for a while. Before Foxi came to fetch her to help her get ready for the party. Aselia took leave from Aldridge’s office. On their way to Aselia’s old room, Foxi tightly hugged her before saying:

"I can’t even tell you how relieved I am to see you well White Falcon. We were so afraid when you were taken."

"I am not that easy to kill," Aselia winked at her, making her giggle.

"We wanted to visit you at the hospital but Aldridge forbade us, telling us that you needed rest and privacy. Yesterday, we were called here for the party and I knew we would finally be able to see you."

They entered Aselia’s room and she was astonished to see Dr. Sumeria.

"My lovely," she rejoiced and rushed to Aselia with her arms wide open, engulfing her in her warm embrace.

"Dr. Sumeria, how are you?" Aselia hugged her back with a wide smile.

"I am a tough nut to crack, so don’t worry about me. But I am so excited to see you again," happiness radiated off of her.

"Same here," Aselia awkwardly replied as Foxi and Sumeria dragged her towards the bed.

"Come, let’s get ready for the party," Foxi picked up a neon blue dress from the bed and showed it to Aselia before asking:

"You like it?"

"I do," Aselia wasn’t fond of dressing up but she wanted to do this for her fellow hunters.

"Let’s do this," Foxi shrieked in excitement as she danced around holding the dress, making others laugh.

Once they were ready they headed for the main hall where the party was to be held. Yurian met them on the way and was stunned to see a transformed Aselia.

"Partner, you look pretty," he gushed and Aselia thanked him with a chuckle.

"You look dope too," Aselia eyed him and his black three-piece with a blue tie.

Dr. Sumeria and Foxi took their leave so both of them could enter together as prestigious guests.

"Shall we then?" Yurian offered his arm and Aselia took it without hesitation. They headed for the decorated hall and gasped upon entering it.

Aselia and Yurian seemed to have stepped foot into a world of gaudy colours. Neon-coloured streamers cascaded down from the ceilings with ribbons and flowers in rainbow hues elegantly draped on the entrance and walls.

A banner in purple, lime and gold with words:

"We are proud of you Black Hawk and White Falcon."

Adorned the main wall with gigantic neon balloons in various colours and sizes making an arc on top of it.

A live band played a hip-hop song in one corner wearing uniforms in deep purple and gold, and all the hunters and guests excitedly swayed with champagne glasses in their hands. Clad in neon-shade dresses to compliment the theme of the party.

Someone’s loud shout went through the excited crowd as hundreds of eyes turned in their direction and several of them rushed forward like vibrant confetti.

Both of them received high praise from their fellow hunters as they were offered drinks and dances. While Yurian danced with several of the female hunters out of politeness, Aselia simply refused and slowly sipped her drink.

"Long time no see Falcon," a shrill voice grabbed her attention and Aselia twirled around to find Wasp standing there with Black Raven. He had his hand around her waist.

"Must have been a blessing for you," Aselia replied with a hint of sarcasm, as she took in her glued-on neon pink dress.

"I wish you hadn’t returned, only he did," she pointed with her eyes to Yurian who was dancing with Foxi and seemed to be enjoying himself. Black Raven just watched Aselia with calculated eyes but Aselia knew better. Xiran had taken his memories of the incident so he didn’t remember that encounter.

"You look gorgeous. Care for a dance," he requested earning himself a death stare from Wasp which he ignored.

"Thank you but I will have to pass," Aselia amusedly answered.

"Of course, the mighty Falcon won’t want to mingle with the likes of us," Wasp derisively sneered at her.

"Phantom died, the world is headed to a better future and yet some things didn’t change. I feel sorry for you, have a great day," Aselia sang out and raising her glass to them she walked away.

Aldridge ushered her towards him so he could make introductions with some eager guests who wanted to meet the famous White Falcon. Aselia politely received their gratitude.

Aldridge then took the mic and made a speech gushing praises of his hunters, especially Aselia and Yurian.

They were called forward among loud applause and under the kaleidoscope of disco lights they also made small speeches and thanked everyone for their hospitality.

Aldridge kept the news of Aselia’s resignation under wraps, it was her personal decision and he wanted to respect it.

Once the speeches were done, Yurian asked Aselia for a dance and led her to the centre space.

"How are you doing? Are you happy?" he inquired as they slowly swayed to the rhythm of the music.

"I think I am Yuri. I want to take the next step with him, we have waited and suffered too long," Aselia had a satisfactory smile on her face and he didn’t find any regrets.

"I can’t even explain how happy that makes me. And are we good? I hope I am forgiven, I can’t live knowing you left with resentment in your heart for me," he apprehensively asked. His expectant eyes searched hers for the truth.

"It would be a lie to say I wasn’t disappointed because I trusted you Yuri but I know you must have tried your best. I can’t remain angry with you even if I try. Just promise you won’t be a stranger and we will see each other at least once every month."

"Thank you!!! It’s a promise," he grinned while his chocolate brown eyes shimmered with contentment.

"By the way, where is Silver Wolf? I haven’t seen him around?" Aselia inquired, she wanted to meet him before leaving for Fritez City.

"I asked around and heard he has taken some personal time off," Yurian informed her and Aselia wondered if everything was alright with him.

They danced and partied the night away for tomorrow will embark her on a new journey.