Losing The Light Of The Moon

Inspiration and Wickedness...

Chapter 59: Inspiration And Wickedness...

TATIANA

I awoke from my mid-day nap as I hoped—refreshed and revigorated after some afternoon wickedness, expressing the passionate love I had for my favorite Beta—feeling very content enveloped in Horacio’s arms—my favorite place to reside. 

Wanting to check on Umar, Celestia, and Caelus, my love had me send him back to his room to grab a shirt, while I found myself drawn—inspired by visions that filtered in with such ease when I awoke—I needed to see three people as well to put a couple of required tools in place for what I saw as possibilities in our upcoming battle—telling Horacio I would see him as soon as I was done...

I decided to walk to the hospital, wanting to take in some crisp, cool air, a bright smile on my face as I thought about my time with Horacio—the massive bulk of his muscular frame that so easily enveloped around my entire body as our love brought us together as one—I loved the way he fully cloaked me—made me feel safe and warm from the outside world. I loved every aspect, every handsome inch of my dark-haired, stubbly-faced colossal werewolf—but I especially loved what he expressed so tenderly earlier today, that in me, he found the real him, who he was meant to be—a feeling I was beginning to realize was mutual between us...

As I entered the front door of the hospital, Talon was walking out of his and Raven’s living quarters, cordially greeting, “Good afternoon, Auntie. Raven will be out in just a moment. Freshening herself up a bit after our nap.”

I have to say, Raven was gifted the perfect mate by the Moon Goddess...tall, dark, and incredibly handsome, Talon was so loving and supportive of Raven’s gift of the Firebird Phoenix and the vast powers and responsibilities that came with it. His dark hair and eyes giving him such a regal look and his immense kindness and comfort-invoking soft cadence made talking with him—and teaching him to utilize his warlock side—enjoyable with such ease of conversation...

Smiling warmly, I kindly returned, “I take it, much like myself who took a bit of an afternoon nap, that Raven’s successful first mission as our newly formed Power of Five took a bit of wind out of her sails.”

“It did, although I find afternoon naps quite refreshing, especially ones taken with my beautiful little blackbird,” Talon affectionately replied, “And from the sounds of it, it’s a good thing we are both re-energized. Raven and I find ourselves quite curious about your visit, Auntie. Your request sounded important—I hope everything is alright.”

“As do I,” Raven slowly drawled out with a sweet grin, exiting her room and walking directly over, hugging me tightly, delightedly continuing, “Thank you for the advice to lay down for a bit, Auntie. I didn’t realize how exhausted I was from our little adventure— it must have been all the adrenaline flowing through me following our success.”  Looking back at Talon, Raven winked, “At least that’s my beloved’s theory—not that he was complaining.”

Mockingly widening my eyes and tightening my grin, I humorously murmured, “Mmmmm, I know that adrenaline well, my darling.”

“So, tell me, Auntie, what wickedness have you formed in that ingenious mind of yours? I know that mischievous look in your eyes well,” Raven pleasantly asked, as Talon came up beside her, wrapping his arm around her waist, both flashing their brilliant smiles.

“Something I think will be useful to teach you both,” I softly returned, “How to perform a spell of mine—hand over heart.”

“The spell you utilized on Soloman?” Talon thoughtfully questioned, “I will readily admit—I found myself intrigued by it and had planned on inquiring about it further with you, as I feel it could be of great use from a medical perspective. What an unexpected surprise—thank you for offering to share it with us.”

“Yes, thank you very much, Auntie,” Raven sweetly added, “I would love to learn the spell as well and appreciate your willingness to teach it to us.” 

Peering deeply into my gaze, she curiously questioned, “But I do have to ask, is there a particular reason you have decided to bestow that knowledge now?”

“I always believe in safety nets, Raven,” I earnestly breathed out, “And I feel sharing something as useful as my hand over heart spell will be of great benefit for many reasons. Just remember that sometimes it requires utilizing all the resources of power available to you to work properly—to do everything I created that spell to accomplish.”

***********

Walking with Jace towards his and Constance’s lake home, I gazed upon the peaceful water, a bit anxious as we neared the area where my former home with Julien once stood—part of the reason I had been reluctant to visit before now—something Jace obviously realized as he suddenly placed his arm around my shoulders, pulling me in close. 

“I can’t believe I haven’t thought about this until now, Mother,” he hesitantly exhaled out in a regretful tone, “I’m sorry if coming here is difficult, as it was home to you and Father. Is that why you asked for Constance and Horacio to wait before joining us? If it distresses you, we don’t have to—”

“I need to do this, Jace,” I emphatically interrupted, “It’s time for me to find some peace and closure about it. I want to be able to see and experience the joy and love to be shared there again. It pleases me greatly that you created something so beautiful in that spot for you and Constance. The view of the lake was always so calming to me—I can’t wait to see what you have done.”

“And I can’t wait to share it with you, but only if you are sure, Mother,” Jace adoringly replied.

“I'm positive,” I assured him, snaking my arm around to gently lay my hand on his back.

A handsome warm smile crossing his face, Jace quietly admitted, “I think I rather like that you asked that we make our way here alone at first. A little mother-son moment between us. Though I must warn you, I think Constance is going to ask for assistance in replanting your garden and landscaping ideas—she knows you have a green thumb and likes the idea of spending more time with you, sharing with her your love of color and flowers.”

“I would enjoy sharing that with Constance a great deal myself,” I sincerely returned before delicately adding, “And there is something I would like to share with you as well. Something I feel could be of great benefit, if you are willing to explore your magical heritage.”

Jace squeezed my shoulders as he laughingly replied, “Explore my magical heritage? Why do I sense a bit of wickedness, Mother?”

“I wouldn’t say it is wickedness, but a tool to add to your repertoire,” I lightly defended, “As I have thought about it, your ability to apparate—disappear and reappear where you wish—though very beneficial, is something that no other Delta connected to the Firebird Phoenix has been able to do. Which indicates to me that the ability is something you have because of the sorcery side of your lineage.”

“Hmmmm,” Jace murmured, his expression perplexed as he took a long pause before replying, “That is an interesting thought and actually makes incredible sense. But what does that have to do with this tool you think will be of benefit to me?”

“How would you feel about me adding a little something extra to your fairy tattoo? Another way to utilize your sorcery side?” I eagerly asked, “Giving you not only the ability to find me whenever you wanted, but should there be a time that you needed it, access the power inside you to wield a shield? Allow you to protect not only yourself, but others around you that need it as well, once I have trained you how to utilize it.”

I could tell I had intrigued my son greatly, though his eyes reflected back at me warily, leading me to steadfastly add, “Before you question my reasons, I will tell you what I told Raven before I taught her and Talon my hand over heart spell before our journey here—I believe in safety nets. Just as you feel safer knowing you can always find me, I will feel safer knowing I have given my son another way to protect himself should it be necessary in any given possible scenario where you don’t have the luxury of having any other sorcery at your disposal. I also plan on telling Nicholas and Madeline the same when I inform them shortly after our visit this afternoon.”

“While I admit that it would be an excellent tool to have in place,” Jace thought out loud, “I do find it curious that you have also given Raven and Talon a new ability. Are the pieces coming into place, Mother? And do you really think it is possible for me to do this?”

“Possibilities are appearing before me, but nothing concrete,” I reluctantly admitted, “I find it best to be prepared for anything, Jace, especially with the witches we are dealing with—and yes, I think this is absolutely possible. It’s inside you, my darling, I feel it.”

“Then I guess you and I will be spending some extra time together and our morning chats will now include some training to explore my more magical side,” Jace grinned, “We will add your special touch-up to my tattoo in the morning after we talk with Nicholas and Madeline first—a little secret unexpected wickedness between mother and son to have on-hand should the need arise. Agreed?”

Beaming at him, I breathed out in relief, “Agreed.”

Turning the familiar corner as I had done many times in the past, I immediately directed my gaze to the water, quickly realizing I had missed it terribly as it came into view—this spot on the lake was just as stunning as I remembered—the sun hitting the water perfectly, beautifully shimmering across the top. 

Coming to a stop, I nervously looked towards the ground, tears brimming from the corners of my eyes—afraid—I was so afraid to look up—this was my home for so many years with Julien—so many happy memories had, yet so many happy memories that should have been made stolen by thieves who were guided by fate’s hand to complete its plan—an unfair decision about our lives made, a punishment handed down for reasons I still couldn’t understand...

Slowly, I allowed my eyes to take in the site of my former home—a place that looked so very different now—the wave of all-consuming sadness and despair vanishing as I took in the stunning home my son had built for his Goddess—a truly breathtaking home—complete with a large deck that extended out to the water, as I breathlessly exclaimed, “Oh, Jace! Oh, my darling—it’s—it’s so beautiful! And so big! So—perfect! What you have built for you and Constance in this spot—it makes me so very happy!”

“I didn’t just build this for Constance and myself, Mother. I made sure to include you too...there is a huge room inside, just for you to decorate as you wish,” Jace lovingly whispered in my ear, “Truth be told, Goddess and I are reluctant to build you a home of your own because we would prefer you to stay here with us. I know you and Horacio will probably want your own space, which is why, when it is built, your lake home won’t be far from here. But both of you are welcome to stay here anytime you wish.  In fact, we hope to be able to spend a lot of time together at this lake house—with you both.”

“Well, as you have the best spot on the lake, I will take you up on that offer!” I delightedly exclaimed, “And I’m sure Horacio will agree. We can take our time on plans for the other home for now, but it does make me happy that it will not be far from here. I’m in no hurry, Jace, especially if it means I get to spend time with you, my Constance, and my King of Fury enjoying the peace and beauty you have created here!”

***********

As Constance wanted to share in the experience of exploring the inside of their home, Jace and I spent some time together on the deck looking out at the water before walking around the outside of the house, my mind at work on designing the perfect combination of flowers to plant before I brought Constance and Horacio forth to join us. 

Horacio was impressed with their home as well and, as I hoped, welcomed the opportunity to spend quality time there with Jace and Constance. He and Jace stood on the deck looking out at the water, enjoying one another’s company while Constance and I took a stroll around the outside, going over plans for plants along the border and the flowers I wanted to plant to create a cutting garden for Constance to enjoy. Her face lit up as I animatedly told her how much I was looking forward to doing it together, and highly amenable to enlisting a bit of help from Beast from time to time, who I knew would enjoy it as well. 

As we walked through the beautiful open, naturally lit home thanks to the large windows Jace put in place, I was astonished at my son’s stunning concept of design—overjoyed that he did seem to have inherited another of my traits—and touched to see several of my paintings already hung, displayed beautifully on several of the walls. There was also a request for another one which I promised to do for them soon—a canvas depicting the same image as Jace’s tattoo—The Triple Goddess—which they would like to fill a large open space in their front room.

As they showed us the spacious room Jace specifically designed and built for me, I beamed with excitement, “It’s so roomy, Jace! I can’t wait for Constance to help me decorate it for us!”

“I like how she left me out of the decorating part, making it obvious I will have no say,” Horacio amusingly retorted, looking over at Jace, “At least she said ‘us’, so your mother is willing to have me join her here from time to time. You have built a beautiful home to spend your downtime in. And thank you both for the open invitation to share time here—I’m sure we will be taking you up on it as often as possible.”

“I hope so,” Constance affectionately replied, “And no offense, but Auntie has told me of your room at Spirit Walker. A bit bachelor in taste—let us take care of this.”

“Good call, I suppose,” Horacio chuckled, “Besides, Tati knows I’ll let her do whatever she wants—as long as I have her by my side and she is content and happy, I’m good.”

“That’s awfully sweet, Horacio,” Constance sweetly returned, “I’m looking forward to spending time with both of you here.”

“As am I,” Jace eagerly stated, “There is nothing like having a house that truly feels like a home.”

************

JACE

After returning from the lake house, Mother and I requested to meet with Nicholas and Madeline in his office so Mother and I could explain her plan, the new skills Raven and Talon had, and the reasons behind it. As a show of respect for both him and the closeness of the bond that was forming between us, I also had Horacio join in on our meeting...

“Well, Auntie, if anyone appreciates good safety nets, it’s me,” Madeline kindly said, “I live by them, so I’m in complete agreement with your plans. I think your hand over heart spell will be of overall great use, especially for Talon’s work at the hospital.”

“Actually, that brings to mind something else I need to do,” Mother thought out loud, “I need some time with Remi—bring my sisters on board as well—to work with her on some techniques to use with her healing powers. I’ve been remiss with my promise to her to do that.”

“You’re keeping yourself quite busy, Tati,” Horacio protectively replied, his voice reflecting his deep affection and concern for Mother, “Don’t overdo it—we need you well rested for the battle.”

Nicholas quickly acknowledged, “I have to agree with Horacio, Auntie, but I agree with your safety nets, including teaching Jace here how to wield a little power. Brilliant idea to gift him with that ability through his tattoo.”

“Mmmmm,” Madeline keenly grinned, “A wicked little secret to have on-hand as we deal with Amelia and the Blood Horizons, if needed, and a wonderful option for us to have in any future battles we may have to face. I will make sure we carve out some time for you and the aunts to work with Remi as well, but do allow Aunt Persephone and Aunt Reina to heavily assist in that effort, so you don’t over exhaust yourself.”

“Sounds like we have a plan,” Nicholas delicately said, “I know you have said what you are doing is to cover all bases, Auntie, but I am going to again request that as things become clearer—”

“All of you will be the first to know, Nicholas, I promise,” Mother interjected, assuring him, “I can tell you wholeheartedly, it will be necessary for you to know to make sure we all stay safe in the battle we face—and to finally bring Mattias and Guntur home.”

I became protective then, drawling out my fervent warning, “We are going to hold you to that, Mother, as that is what we all want—just remember things are done together now—not you attempting to go at this alone.”