Fate of the Lost Moon

Chapter 15

The moon hung high in the night sky, its silvery light spilling over the landscape like a soft embrace. I found myself standing in a serene glade, surrounded by towering trees that whispered secrets to the gentle night breeze. The air was thick with magic, and I could feel a pull—a familiar presence beckoning me deeper into the shadows.

As I moved forward, I spotted her: the Moon Goddess, a vision of ethereal beauty. Her almost-white hair flowed like cascading silver, shimmering with an otherworldly glow, and her eyes sparkled with a faint lilac hue that resonated with my own. She looked at me with a knowing smile, one that promised revelations beyond my understanding.

"Welcome back, Stephanie," she said, her voice a melodic blend of warmth and power. "You have journeyed far, both in life and spirit, and now it is time for you to discover your true self."

"What do you mean?" I asked, my heart racing with anticipation and a hint of fear. "I don’t know what you’re talking about."

With a graceful gesture, she beckoned me to follow her deeper into the glade. As I walked beside her, the world shifted around us, and the trees parted to reveal a shimmering pond. Its surface mirrored the star-studded sky, and at its edge, two wolves awaited me.

The first was a magnificent creature, her fur as bright as the moon itself. She stepped forward with grace, her eyes radiating wisdom and serenity. "I am Hera," she spoke, her voice echoing in my mind like a soft whisper of the night. "I embody the light of the moon, guiding you toward wisdom, intuition, and healing."

I felt a warmth spread through me, a connection I had never experienced before. Hera's presence soothed my doubts and fears, wrapping me in a cocoon of tranquillity.

The second wolf was darker, her fur as deep as the midnight sky. She exuded an aura of raw power and wildness, and her eyes held a fierce loyalty that stirred something primal within me. "I am Artemis," she growled, a low rumble that resonated with strength. "I represent your instincts, your courage, and the wild spirit that lives within you."

A wave of emotion surged through me as I met Artemis’s gaze. It was as if she saw straight into my soul, recognizing the parts of me I had long hidden. I felt an urge to run, to howl at the moon, to embrace the wildness that had always felt just out of reach.

The Moon Goddess smiled as she watched my reactions. "You have not one, but two wolves within you, Stephanie. Each embodies different aspects of your being. Hera will guide you when you seek wisdom and healing, while Artemis will stand by you in moments of strength and instinct."

"But why?" I stammered, trying to grasp this new reality. "I don’t understand how this is possible."

"You are destined for greatness, my child. Your journey has only just begun, and the world is not ready for what you will become," she explained, her voice filled with an ancient wisdom that resonated deep within me. "The duality of your wolves reflects the balance you must find within yourself."

I looked from Hera to Artemis, both wolves waiting patiently for me to understand. Hera stepped closer, her presence calming. "Embrace us, Stephanie. Together, we will show you the way."

Artemis growled softly, encouraging me to take the leap of faith. "Trust us, and you will discover the power that lies within you."

As their voices melded in my mind, I felt the weight of uncertainty lift. The connection I felt with them was undeniable, and for the first time in my life, I could see a path unfolding before me—a future where I wasn’t defined by my lack of a wolf, but instead by the incredible strength that lay dormant within.

In that moment, I made a vow to embrace both Hera and Artemis, to honor the duality they represented. With a newfound determination, I stepped forward and allowed their energy to envelop me, feeling a rush of power surge through my veins.

As the dream began to fade, I clung to that feeling of unity. The Moon Goddess smiled down at me, her presence a comforting beacon in the darkness. "Remember, my child, the strength of the moon shines brightest in the darkest of nights."

I awoke in a start, my heart racing with excitement and curiosity. The remnants of the dream lingered in my mind, and I could feel the presence of my wolves—Hera and Artemis—within me.

“Stephanie, are you awake?” Hera’s voice chimed in my mind, soft and melodic.

“I am,” I replied, amazed at how easy it was to communicate with them. “I can hear you.”

“You have so much to learn,” Artemis added, her voice low and powerful. “But first, you must understand who you are.”

“I feel different,” I admitted, still processing everything. “I thought I was just… me. But now I have you both. It’s overwhelming.”

“It’s natural to feel that way,” Hera reassured me, giggling. “You have held this power within you for so long, and now it’s time to embrace it fully.”

“But what does it mean for me?” I asked, my brow furrowing. “What if I can’t handle it? What if I’m not strong enough?”

“You are stronger than you realize,” Artemis said, her tone fierce and determined. “We will guide you, teach you how to harness our strengths. Together, we will make you whole.”

“Yes, and it will take time,” Hera added. “You must allow yourself to grow into this new identity. Embrace both aspects of yourself—your gentleness and your ferocity.”

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of their words settle within me. “How do I do that?”

“Start with small steps,” Artemis instructed. “Listen to your instincts. Trust your intuition, and don’t shy away from the wildness inside you.”

“And allow yourself moments of peace and reflection,” Hera added. “Use our gifts when you need them, and we will be with you every step of the way.”

“But what if others don’t understand?” I pondered, a knot forming in my stomach at the thought of Cassandra and her cold demeanor towards me. “What if they see me as a weakness?”

“Those who truly matter will see your strength,” Artemis growled, a hint of defiance in her voice. “And we will show them what you are capable of. You are more than just a girl without a wolf; you are destined for greatness.”

“Cassandra may not see it now, but she will learn,” Hera said softly. “Your bond as sisters runs deep, and she will come to understand the power you possess.”

“But what if she doesn’t?” I asked, my heart heavy with doubt. “What if my sudden gaining of not one but two wolves drives her further away? What if I’m a danger to her and the pack?”

A heavy silence settled between us, and I could feel the tension in the air. Finally, Artemis spoke, her voice resolute. “Then we will hide one of us, if necessary. For your safety, we cannot risk exposing our true nature until you are ready.”

Hera nodded, a glimmer of understanding in her eyes. “Yes. Until the time is right, one of us will remain concealed. This way, you can learn and grow without the burden of others’ expectations weighing you down.”

I felt a rush of gratitude mixed with uncertainty. “Are you sure that’s wise? What if I need you both?”

“We will always be here for you, but you must choose wisely when to show your strength,” Artemis insisted. “Hera will guide you in moments of peace and healing, while I will remain hidden, protecting you from those who might not understand.”

Hera spoke next, her voice soothing. “This is not a weakness, Stephanie. It is a strategy. We want you to be safe while you discover who you truly are.”

“Okay,” I replied, feeling the weight of their decision settle over me. “I trust you both.”

As the first light of dawn filtered through my window, I woke fully aware of the strength and connection that lay within me, ready to face the world. I now had a plan: I would embrace my wolves, honor their strengths, and safeguard my true identity until I was ready to reveal it.

With Hera’s wisdom guiding me and Artemis’s strength in my heart, I felt a newfound sense of purpose. The journey ahead would be challenging, but I was determined to prove to everyone—including myself—that I was more than just a girl without a wolf. I would honor the duality within me and embrace the incredible power I had yet to fully discover.