Supernaturals: Legends of Iris.
Forty eight.

Cole laid on his bed and stared at the ceiling. He hadn't been out of his room in days. He had no will to live, he had felt the mate bond snap, it wrecked and was still wrecking him. Claws hadn't spoken to him since the day of the war. His mate was gone, and so was his wolf.

He thought of every single moment he had shared with Iris and cried quietly. Her words and actions began to make sense to him.

' I'm a terrible mate, how could I not have noticed? The constant apologizes, the crying, even the promise.'

' How did we miss the signs?'

His thought about the moments she had shared with their friends, how happy she was.

' Why? You could have told me. I probably would have tried talking you out of it but I would have been more prepared for this. No one was prepared. We didn't know. Even Rose-'

He paused and sat up suddenly.

' Rose.'

He thought of the secret glances she'd share with Iris, the hushed tones, the sad looks she'd give him.

' She knew! She knew Iris was going to do this and yet she said nothing!'

He stormed out of the room in anger.

Surprised looks were thrown his way as he marched down the hall. Everyone knew how hard he was taking her death, she was after all his mate.

He threw open the door of the conference room causing the occupants to stare at him incredulously. He should have been among the people seated but he was too hurt to join them.

Iris's burial was being discussed and planned. The occupants of the room included Iris's immediate family, the Elders, Malika, the guardians and of course, Rose.

" Cole, what a surprise." Rose said.

The embers of his anger burnt brighter when he noticed her seated at the head of the table where Iris used to sit.

" You knew." He spat.

" Knew what?"

" You knew Iris was going to give up her life and yet you didn't say anything!"

" Cole come on, if she knew she would have said something." Bryan reasoned.

" Right Rose?"

Rose's silence confirmed Cole's accusation.

" Rose." Bryan called the hurt evident in his voice.

" I wanted to tell you. I really-"

" No you didn't! You wanted her gone so you could take over-"

Rose stood up and in an instant she was standing in front of him. Her palm landed on his right cheek. The sound of her palm hitting his flesh resonated in the quiet room.

" How dare you?!" She spat.

" Did you really think I didn't try to convince? Do you think I want to plan my best friend's funeral? Cole contrary to what you think, I tried to tell you but she prevented me from doing so. Every time I told you a secret I was trying to tell you! I get that she was your mate but she's important to us too. She meant a lot to us so stop acting like you're the only one that's affected." Rose stated before walking out.

***

" I'm sorry Rose."

" Your words hurt me Cole. I'm not trying to replace her, I can never replace her. I just want to continue her legacy, I promised her that I would be a good leader-"

" I was just hurt and I needed someone to blame. I'm sorry for taking it out on you."

" I don't know what to do." Rose broke down crying.

" I can't-"

" We have to do this for her. We'll take it one step at a time. For Iris."

***

Rose stood up and stared at the large crowd in front of her. They were all there for Iris's funeral. Bryan gave her hand a light squeeze and urged her forward.

" H-h-hello everyone, m-my name is Rose Mortez. Iris was my best friend and roommate. I-I-I'm her second in command, her counsellor. She's…she was always there for me and she…cared about me a lot. She was more than a best friend, she was a sister. And if it weren't for me, she would have been here today… I'm sorry I-I can't do this."

Cole watched as Rose ran off the stage and into Bryan's arm.

" Good day everyone, my name is Cole Hernandez." He introduced. He took a shaky breath and gulped before continuing.

" I'm Iris's mate. It's been less than a year since Iris and I met. We…we've not known each other for that long. I met her in a hallway and instantly I knew she was the one. The mate bond was working. But I didn't tell her until a few months ago. I got to know her and I realised that mate bond apart, I would have still fallen in love her. She's that amazing. I'm love with her which is why it hurts so much."

There was silence everywhere, everyone listened attentively to what he had to say.

" When she cast the spell I just wondered ' why?' Why she was being so selfless, I wanted her to be selfish for once in her life, for me. But she wouldn't be Iris if she never did outrageous things would she? She was the selfless, kind…she's the best person I've ever known. And although it feels like a part of me has been ripped off, I choose to live. Because Iris wanted that. Even though it hurts to be alive I will live to continue her legacy. She wouldn't want us to cry over her. She would want us to remember her and all the memories we've had together. Most people don't know this but, uhm…today's her birthday. She was supposed to be 18 today."

A lone tear slid down his cheek but he hastily wiped it.

" Today we celebrate a great daughter, friend, mate…and a great leader."

Gasps resonated through the crowd as a translucent looking white tiger prowled. It was the same tiger that had come to the school the day Iris was revealed as the Elysian.

Cole stepped forward and placed his hand on its head. He was worried his hand would go through the tiger's body or that it would even bite his hand off but it just nuzzled into him and purred slightly. He kissed its forehead and sighed.

" She's gone." He whispered.

The tiger left his side and went to where Iris's body laid in a white coffin. It disappeared just as mysteriously as it appeared.

Cole smiled sadly to himself and adjusted his black suit jacket. His heart rate suddenly picked up and his breathing hitched. His ears tuned everything out except one thing in particular.

A faint heartbeat.

សួស្តី!🤗,

It's been such a long time since I've updated and I'm sincerely sorry about that. I've not been feeling too well as of recent, I've had these terrible headaches that have been making my life a living hell. I wanted to give you guys a little something for sticking with me.

Thank you so much for reading, you're the best ❤️.

Stay safe 😷.

Bye!!