Losing The Light Of The Moon

Love, Hope...And Fear

Chapter 61: Love, Hope...And Fear

HORACIO

After my initial panic of finding a frighteningly frail-looking Tati unconscious on Nicholas’ floor—the worst reaction I’ve seen yet as I took in her ghostly white complexion— scooping her up into my arms and holding on for dear life. 

However, as I cradled Tati in my arms, I felt an immense wave of calm slowly rolling over me, healing my troubled soul. Deep down inside, I knew my Fairy Queen was alright—that welcome sense of relief flowing all throughout my body as I held her close, erasing all the anxiety I had when Nicholas initially told us of Madeline’s terrified link and keeping me focused and clear as overwhelming fear surrounded me in the room. It was the strangest thing—I felt connected with Tati, but without the normal green aura circling our hands...

Maybe that’s why I refused to allow my Fairy Queen out of my lap now—needing her as close as possible to remain calm, focused, and clear—continuing to support her tiny, weak body, enveloped in the center of my large, bulky frame, my arms wrapped around her tightly, her weary head laid gently on my shoulder as she slowly started to explain her latest vision.

As Tati told us what she saw, I realized I had made the right decision in keeping her right where she was—I knew my girl—and in my focused state, I could tell she was holding something back—something I would inquire about further in a private conversation that would be held once we got back to her room...

“Well, at least I know I will have the opportunity to take out Arturo,” I satisfyingly sighed out, pushing those thoughts aside, “If Tati is right about Arturo’s intentions to go back to Amelia’s and they are indeed leaving Mattias and Guntur there, it must mean that I will be able to let her know where that is, enabling back up to be sent.”

Gazing down at her steadfast and true, I decidedly informed my love, “And one change will definitely be in order—you will not be alone when you get to the boys! Period!”  Her exhausted eyes locked with mine, reluctantly nodding in return—leading me to realize that something else would be discussed later...

“How odd that Amelia seems to be protecting Jillian,” Madeline thought out loud, “Do you think she knows that she and Mattias are mates, Auntie?”

“No,” Tati weakly breathed out, diverting away from my eyes, “I believe she thinks it is an adverse aspect of her spell. A very fortunate turn of events for all involved, proving Jillian’s move to have it put in place was incredibly smart. Hopefully, she will refrain from any actions that could provoke danger until we can get to her.”

“Where I don’t feel we are fortunate is what they have planned for you, Mother,” Jace voiced out, his tone full of concern, the exact same feelings and thoughts I had, “The details are too vague—irony and sins—there really wasn’t anything else about Amelia’s plans for you?”

Tati slowly shook her head, whispering out in a daze, “No. And I couldn’t see Frieda’s house to know who might be inside—or why the boys were being left at where I assume is Amelia’s and their faces looked like they did. I don’t like that it appears it will be difficult to free them. Maybe if I work to bring it forth once more, I can see it more clearly.”

Her episode obviously had a daunting impact on Nicholas—he had yet to release Tati’s hand from his gentle grasp, rubbing his thumb across it as he comforted her now, “Let’s not do that just yet. The last thing I want is to see you in that state again so soon, Auntie. There is time—for now, just allow things to come to you naturally—in a less dramatic fashion, if possible, please. Your reactions, especially as of late, are giving me great cause for concern.”

“Concerned is an understatement, Auntie,” Alastor decisively told her, “Is there a reason your reactions are becoming increasingly harsh in response? I’m quite worried about how this is affecting your health.”

I have to agree with Alastor—while I was grateful that there was a bit more clarity revealed, my Fairy Queen’s visions were getting more intense in their outward physical manifestations—something I didn’t like—in fact, I didn’t like it at all! 

I had to go back to Spirit Walker with Lorenzo and Alastor after the late morning workout tomorrow—that wasn’t going to be an easy thing to do. There was no denying it, as I held Tati now—leaving my Fairy Queen was going to be the hardest thing I would ever have to do...

**********

TATIANA

I felt horrible for all the concern I brought my family—but also an overwhelming sense of gratefulness as Soloman’s words replayed in my head. As we were finishing up our conversation, a knock came at the door, leading me to quietly advise a reluctant Horacio to set me down on the edge of the bed as Madeline went to open the door.

On the other side were Badru and Luminara, whose happy expressions turned to worry as well once they saw me—and everyone else in the room.

“Auntie?” Badru’s low voice called out, rushing over to sit beside me, “What happened? Why has all the color left your face? Did you have another vision?”

“I did,” I delicately assured him. “Do not worry. I’ll be fine. I’ll let Nicholas explain.”

As Nicholas kindly filled Badru in on my vision, I looked up at Mahan’s daughter—Luminara looked much like her mother, Irina—her tall slender frame dressed in a beautiful white pleated dress with a full skirt, tiny colorful flowers of red, yellow, and green across her bustline, her long silky blonde hair shining so bright it looked white, with her father’s stunning grey eyes flaked brightly with gold—she was exquisite—but as I looked at her aura, I realized she was something else as well...

“Luminara,” I warmly greeted, my full concentration on her, elated at the unexpected distraction, “How are you feeling, dear?”

“Me, Auntie?” Luminara sweetly returned, her expression a bit confused, “I’m fine—a bit tired—but I’m more worried about you right now.”

Grinning, I curiously asked, “Hmmm, a bit tired—and a penchant for blueberry scones with extra icing as of late?”

Her cheeks instantly turning rosy, Luminara uncomfortably laughed, “Y-Yes—odd really, I’m not usually such a fan of sweets. H-how did you know?”

With a bright smile, I reverently declared, “I believe Luminara is the one who may need to go see Talon for a check-up. There’s quite a change in your aura, my darling.” Turning towards Badru, I placed my hand on top of his, “A change that makes me so very happy for you both.”

All wide eyes on her as the girls eagerly gasped, Mahan’s stunning daughter exhaled out in shock, “A change to my—A-Auntie? T-The scones—you think they are because—do you mean that I’m—I’m—”

Her words immediately stopped as Luminara’s gaze filled instantly with tears, darting towards her handsome mate. Badru quickly jumped up, leaving my side—to return to his wife, his arms gently wrapping around her waist, beaming at one another before Badru dipped his head down to kiss her softly on the lips.

“Auntie, are you sure?” Madeline astonishingly questioned, grabbing hold of Luminara’s arm.

“Mmmmm, positive,” I hummed out, delightedly adding, “Congratulations—but just so you are both aware, it’s already been made very clear to me that Madeline and I are both going to be favorites, which means you have to continue to visit often! Mahan is already very much adored as well. And the heavily iced blueberry scones will always need to be on hand, Badru, or things may get ugly for you, as they are indeed a favorite. Good news, I believe both Lorelei and I have wonderful recipes for those and should be able to assist you in keeping Luminara very happy.”

As everyone was offering their congratulations, Luminara’s quizzical gaze remained glued on me, disbelievingly breathing out, “Auntie, how do you know all that? And if I may ask, exactly how much do you know?”

Flashing her an innocent grin, I carefully replied, “Your Auntie is very intuitive, my darling, but I think I’ve revealed enough already.”

“But you do—know more,” Luminara lightly pressed, temptation reflected heavily in her tone and intent expression, “I’m not very good at surprises—no patience at all—more of a need to know everything right now kind of person.”

“She’s telling the truth, Auntie,” Badru humorously chuckled, “Drives my stunningly beautiful mate crazy—though I could do what Luminara has forced me to do in the past—insist that she wait.”

Her hand instantly flying up to cover Badru’s mouth, Luminara enthusiastically shook her head as everyone snickered around her, “Don’t listen to him, Auntie—he’s just kidding! Badru wants to know everything too! I promise you he does! Really!”  

Turning to gaze upon him warily, she eagerly nodded, urging Badru, “You’re dying to know, right? Happy wife—happy life!”

Giggling slightly, I softly urged, “How about a compromise—one little tidbit before you tell your father—I can already see that you will bring him on your side for a successful mission to obtain more information—sorry, Badru.”

As she removed her hand from his mouth, Badru laughed out, “I’m not surprised—Mahan is as bad as she is—but I will allow it. She’s rather cute when she gets like this and knows, in the end, she will get her way anyway. I might as well enjoy it while I can. Go ahead, Auntie—one tidbit.”

Clearing my throat, I smiled at Luminara, humorously stating, “Let’s see, what should I tell your mother, hmmm? Ahhh, I see...alright—They are very content currently, finding the voices of you, Badru, Madeline, and I very soothing, though they are anxiously awaiting dinner—especially if there are dinner rolls—with extra butter. One more tidbit their Auntie will bestow on you on their behalf—while the scones are favored, any and all bread will be welcomed.”

Several jaws dropped—particularly and amusingly the new parents, as everyone shockingly asked, “They?”

“Mmmhmm,” I ecstatically hummed out, just before I brought my hand up, flashing them all—two fingers.

**********

After enjoying the excitement for a few moments longer, I started feeling quite fatigued, assuring Jace I was fine and he could check on me later, wanting him to stay for the continued celebrations while I reappeared in my room, expecting Horacio to soon follow.  

As I thought more and more about my talk with Soloman, there was a feeling inside that continued to build in intensity—I didn’t want Horacio and I to hide our relationship any longer—not that we were particularly good at it anyway—but for some reason, the timing felt right to allow everyone to know about us now. As I thought about what was to come, it gave me even more motivation to do everything I could to make sure I wasn’t left only one option in the end—sacrifice...  

Sure enough, there was a hard knock on my door a moment later, just as I laid down and closed my eyes, bracing myself for the inevitable further questioning, but hoping that by telling Horacio my thoughts about revealing to everyone our relationship, it would not only leave him elated, but possibly distract him, as I exhaustively responded, “Come in.”

“Auntie?” Tink’s voice frantically called out, “Are you okay?  Constance said you passed out from this last vision!”

I opened my eyes to find my sweet girl and gentle giant already at my bedside, Beast holding a beautiful bouquet of stargazer lilies and hyacinths in his hand, both looking down at me with heavily distraught expressions as I comfortingly replied, “I’m fine.  Really. Do not distress yourselves so.”  

Grinning at Beast, I added, “But thank you for bringing me a beautiful arrangement of my favorite flowers, my darling. The hyacinths smell wonderful!”

“Always, Auntie,” Beast affectionately replied, “Vase?”

As I pointed to an empty vase on the corner table, Tink anxiously said, “I don’t like how your visions are hurting you, Auntie. It’s getting worse. Is there a potion or something you can take?”

“No, but I promise, all will be well, sweet girl,” I lovingly returned, “Especially now that I have two of my best medicines right here in the room with me.”

Horacio sounded a bit tense as he linked, How’s the revolving door?  Constance said she told Tink, guessing her and Beast are there?

They are, but you can come over if you wish, I adoringly replied, I feel after this last vision that it isn’t necessary to hide our relationship any longer, unless you wish. I think it's time—what do you think?

My words seemed to provide the reaction I hoped for, as Horacio readily responded, Are you sure we can finally be open safely? Forget that question—I’m not giving you the chance to change your mind! YES! Be there in a second.

“Tink,” I slowly drawled out, smiling at her, “I think there is something you and Beast should know.”

Tink irritatingly scoffed, “I saw you were distracted just now—I take it the King of Fury is about to come bursting through the door? Where is he anyway? I can’t believe he left you here by yourself! What kind of boyfriend leaves you all alone after you pass out like that? I should strip him of his nickname as payback!”

“Wait, you know?” I incredulously asked with wide eyes.

“Eh, took me a bit to figure it out, but yeah, King of Fury is not exactly great at subtlety, and I see the way you look at him,” Tink chuckled, “Figured you had your reasons and you’d tell me eventually—keeping an eye on the situation in the meantime. I don’t care as long as you’re happy, Auntie—and the jerk takes care of you!”

“So, I’m back to being a jerk, huh? Feared I might be when you found out,” Horacio humorously retorted from the doorway, “My intentions are honorable and I happen to love your Auntie more than anything in this world, so I really hope our truce can stay in place. I’ve grown rather fond of our bond. Or are you going to replace me with Caelus among the four horsemen—younger blood?”

“Ohhhh, hadn’t thought about that!” Tink animatedly breathed out, her eyes widening in excitement as she turned to face him, “Bail out on my Auntie again when she needs to be taken care of and I might! If you behave, maybe I’ll let you stay and keep your nickname—we could become the five horsemen! I can already see the awesome moves!”

“I hadn’t thought about that—and happen to be on board with that idea, when Caelus is ready, of course,” Horacio grinned as he came to stand beside her, bending over to kiss me softly, “And just so you know, now that your Auntie has deemed it no longer a danger for our relationship to be known, I won’t have to get here the long way any longer, which means I will always be by her side here.”

“Here,” Tink enthused, an exhilarated smile crossing her face, “A word that secures your continued welcome to the four—eventually five—horsemen and stops the Dark One from planning to destroy you! Meaning, you aren’t taking her away from us, then?”

“Nope, not,” Horacio snickered, “But I do have a favor to ask of the Dark One.”

“Yes, my favorite King of Fury?” Tink drawled out—each syllable made longer in her reply as a cute evil grin crossed her face.

“I have to go back to Spirit Walker in the morning after practice,” Horacio kindly told her, “You and Beast keep a close eye on our

Fairy Queen for me, will you please?”

“Consider it done, Fury!” Tink steadfastly resolved, “The big guy and I will always have your back—especially when it comes to our Auntie! Besides, these visions of hers—I don’t like what they are doing to her at all!”

Beast’s kind eyes were on me as he affectionately said, “We’ll always protect her.”

My gentle giant paused for a long moment, shooting a warning glare directly at Horacio, lowly growling out, “You hurt Auntie? Truce is over—I will destroy you!”

Tink and I both laughed as we watched the flabbergasted expression fall upon Horacio’s face, inaudibly murmuring, “Did he just say—"

“Ten words that your Beast-bear will show her great appreciation for later, my big ol’ hunk of hotness!” Tink proudly boasted in an enamored tone, making me giggle as Beast satisfyingly grinned in return.

Turning her attention back towards Horacio, Tink flashed Horacio a smug grin, “And ten words that mean my big guy is dead serious—you’ve officially been warned, my friend! King of Fury or not—you better be a good boyfriend to Auntie or there will be hell to pay—and my money is always on my huge hunk of testosterone!”

**********

MATTIAS

Jillian was right—I had come to appreciate Mrs. Dottie. She was incredibly kind and seemed not only trustworthy, but cared a great deal about Jillie—the problem was, she wasn’t my Jillie, who did not make an appearance today. It wasn’t a surprise that Mrs. Dottie brought all our trays, a disparaging look on her face when she saw my hopeful expression each time, inadvertently telling me that none of them held the one thing that could calm my anxious mind—my letter from Jillie. 

I found it difficult to breathe when Mrs. Dottie brought our dinner trays, reluctantly admitting to me that Jillie had not been in the kitchen all day, because I knew where she had been—where she was now—with Arturo in his room. Knowledge that sent me and my wolf back into yet another frenzied rage...

My faithful best friend—my Beta—tried his best to distract and calm me. A futile effort as my thoughts turned rampant—Arturo had also not made an appearance, a fact that was even more maddening to me. In fact, no one else made an appearance and that had me feeling nervous, increasing my infuriated state...

Laid out on my cot, I stared at the ceiling, every single moment—good and bad—that I had with Jillie flooding my mind trying to find my calm again. And that’s when a strange older male voice softly echoed in my head—Believe—stay strong and believe and all will be well, son. It will get worse—much worse—before it gets better, but my Winged Angel is coming...just be patient and remember my words.

I wasn’t sure what was happening—had my rage caused something to snap inside my brain? Believe and stay strong, I could do—but were things really going to get worse? Please, NO! Especially if it involved Jillie in any way! And who is this Winged Angel? The whole thing was so weird—and overwhelmingly unsettling...

“Guntur?” I anxiously whispered, “I’m worried I may be losing it—I think my mind is playing tricks on me.”

“I’m not surprised, considering your current state,” Guntur supportively replied, “Talk to me. Tell me the worst thought.”

I didn’t reveal too much, knowing Amelia would more than likely be watching and listening, defeatedly exhaling out the part that worried me the most, “It’s going to get worse, Guntur—much worse.”