After that, I returned to the land of exile.
Among the pack, the rumors about me had already become legend. Some said I was dead, while others claimed that I had let love turn to hatred, and in doing so, I had fallen into darkness.
When we met again, the First Elder looked at me with a mixture of awe and something complicated.

"Selena, the pack's greatest loss was losing you," he began. "Your essence may be gone, but if you're willing to return, the position of Luna can still be yours."
I shook my head and glanced at Kyle before replying, "I've found a new path."
Then, I explained everything I had learned from Kyle about the way of balance. It was a way to heal that didn't rely on essence, but on sensing and balancing the life that flows through everything.
The First Elder was stunned. "T-This is the beginning of an entirely new field!"
"Yes," I replied calmly. "Essence is a gift from the Moon Goddess. It's a shortcut, but not the only path. I want to prove that even without such a gift, we could still come to understand life and protect it through our own efforts."
I met the First Elder's gaze, steady and unwavering as I went on, "I will no longer be anyone's Luna. I want to build a new academy right here in the forgotten land of exile.

"It will be for those like me, who have lost their power, or who were born with only the faintest spark of it. I want to teach them the way of balance.
"That way, they can understand that the value of life is not measured by how much power you possess, but by how you choose to live in harmony with the world."
Later, Silas came to see me as well. He brought with him many rare, ancient manuscripts on healing arts.
Looking at me with concern, he said, "Selena, this path will not be easy."

I could feel the soul within me, empty yet merging with the pulse of the entire forest. For the first time, I was truly at ease.
"Mr. Vance, in the past, I healed others but lost myself in the process."
As I spoke, I looked toward the distant horizon. The sun was slowly rising, chasing away the last shadows of the long night.
"Now, I want to find my true self in the act of healing this world," I added. "I will no longer belong to anyone. From this day forward, I am simply Selena, who is free."
Having said my piece, I turned. With Kyle by my side, we walked toward the academy, facing the rising sun.