Losing The Light Of The Moon

Displaying The Beauty Of Love, Part II

Chapter 54: Displaying The Beauty Of Love, Part II

TATIANA

Vivian continued to stare at us in shock and awe, her mouth slightly gaping open, leading Alastor to softly laugh, his arm coming around her waist, embracing her firmly against his sturdy frame for support...

“They’re in love, Vivvy,” Alastor sweetly told her, “Deeply and quite devoted to one another, in fact. I am very pleased about it personally, but not as much as the other gift of knowledge bestowed on me today.”

Letting out an exhaustive humored sigh, I gently confirmed, “Alastor is correct, Vivian, I have fallen deeply in love with our King of Fury and am forever devoted to him. We will be informing Madeline and Constance later today, so you will at least have your closest confidantes to help get over the shock, if needed.”

“Though I will be glad when I don’t have to hide our relationship from anyone, shocking or not,” Horacio quickly added, looking down at me adoringly.

“You two really are in love, aren’t you?” Vivian slowly breathed out before a soft smile crossed her face, humorously adding, “The Fairy Queen and the King of Fury?” While I grinned sheepishly, I nodded wholeheartedly in return.

“Not to be rude, but I find myself quite curious about the covered canvases we are standing in front of,” Priscilla coolly attempted to divert, “So, perhaps our King and Queen will show us the other reason why they have brought us here.”

“Indeed, we shall,” I readily agreed, fondly telling them, “I have a large group of paintings that I kept in a special place in the attic. Ones that I kept for myself—to admire when I was missing Soloman. While there are several I can’t bear to part with, there are quite a few that I would like for you to see and are yours, if you would like.”

The tears I knew would appear instantly creeped into the corners of my eyes as I smiled at Lorenzo, “There are two portraits in particular that I loved so much that I duplicated them because of how connected I felt to Soloman while painting them.”

I motioned Lorenzo forward while Horacio removed the cloth for me, which was immediately followed by a loud gasp from Priscilla as the first of my duplicate canvases was revealed, a portrait of Soloman sitting by the private pond that was in so many of my memories together with him. A side view of his regal and handsome chiseled face, dressed in a white button-down dress shirt—the top two buttons undone—and black dress pants. 

Soloman was barefoot, his black dress shoes off and sitting beside him as they always were, looking out onto the rippling water with the deep green forest behind it and the yellow, orange, and red of sunset across the top, dipping behind the trees. Sprigs of his short white hair appeared to be blowing up in the wind as he gazed upon the water. His warm smile—a smile I loved and missed so dearly—enjoying his favorite place at Spirit Walker—a favorite place of Lorenzo’s as well.

“Oh, how stunning!” Aruna breathed out in awe, “What a lovely painting of him, Tati!”

“Tati,” Lorenzo hoarsely choked out, kneeling in front of it before lifting the portrait up in his hands to peer at it more closely, “You perfectly captured every feature of Father! His kind eyes, chiseled cheeks and chin—that contented smile of his—the way he always gazed out upon the water—it’s all there. I can see everything I saw when I sat beside him there so many times over the years.”

“I can too, which is why I love it so and probably why I painted it twice—part of me wanting to relive those moments with him,” I quietly replied, “There’s another that holds a special place in my heart behind the picture of your main house.”

Lorenzo carefully handed the canvas he had been holding to Priscilla, a loud gasp passing through his lips as he pulled out the next portrait of Soloman—this one close up, reflecting him in his office, sitting in his leather chair as you would always find him, leaned forward with his arms resting on the mahogany desk, hands clasped in front of him, his handsome face reflecting back at us with that endearing smile of his, but this time, he was wearing a favorite buttoned dress shirt of mine—a maroon one that made his dark eyes pop out so beautifully.  I also had his beloved leather-bound books behind him, another love and passion we shared together. 

“I can see your love in every stroke of paint on these, Tati,” Lorenzo whispered in amazement, “It’s almost like he is right here with us again.”

“They are both stunning, Auntie,” Alastor mused, bending down to peer over Lorenzo’s shoulder, “I never realized how much I really do look like Grandfather. It’s so wonderful to see it so clearly now.”

“Depending on where your father puts them, hopefully you can see it clearly often—see him,” I thoughtfully replied, “And any other of my beloved portraits I’ve set out for you to choose from of our beloved Spirit Walker.”

Standing back up, Lorenzo turned towards me, tenderly requesting, “If you are willing and have truly chosen what you wish to keep, I would like them all, Tati. Every single one.”

“Wait just a moment!” Alastor scoffed, “I would at least like a few myself to hang in our room and our lake house. Unlike our paperwork debate, I’m not playing games and will fight about this one, Father! Hopefully, Auntie will return the favor and side with me!”

“Although I find myself reluctant to let go of any of them as well, Lorenzo,” Priscilla admiringly interjected, “These are gifts from Tati, which renders greediness to be a shameful decision. Allow Alastor a few choices as well.”

“Fine, I will allow you a few, Alastor,” Lorenzo reluctantly conceded, “But the rest I want at home to hang where they belong. Where we can all enjoy them, including you, Tati—I expect you to visit your Spirit Walker home more often, please, as it will always be—our home.”

**********

MATTIAS

Part of my fear came to realization—Amelia and Arturo were storming down the hallway, dragging my Jillie with them. I took in her harrowed expression, unable to tell if this was indeed what was planned to take place...

“Stay calm, Mattias,” Guntur inaudibly muttered, “Listen to me—don’t play into this.  More harm than good.”

“Well, well, Jillian!” Arturo furiously spat, flinging her body forward towards the front of my cell, her frightful blue eyes locking with mine, “Seems you have been keeping a secret!”

“Leave her alone,” I assertively demanded in a cold tone, my gaze determined as I continued to look at her, “I told Jillian not to say anything. If you want to be angry with anyone, be angry with me. Take it out on me.”

“Mattias, I knew the risk—keeping our connection since the day you arrived just between us—keeping our secret from them,” Jillie nervously breathed out, instantly telling me that she also hoped this was part of their plan—but she still appeared caught off guard by what was happening, which told me that Amelia possibly had a vision of our kiss...

“Yes, but how noble of you, Mattias!” Amelia mockingly exclaimed, “Unfortunately, we have already decided to do precisely that—using Jillian as our weapon! If you play nicely, maybe we will let you kiss her to make it all better at the end!”

“What do you want?” I calculatedly asked, giving her my complete attention, “You already know my grandfather hasn’t trusted me enough to divulge the information you are looking for.”

Slowly smoothing out her long, flowing dark blue form-fitting dress, Amelia evilly grinned, “That is true, but my plans have changed. The information I need now should be well known by you.” 

Amelia nodded towards Jillie before Arturo grabbed her by the neck from behind, lifting her into the air and bringing her forward, placing his other hand on the back of Jillie’s head, lightly pressing her face against the bars in front of me, just enough for the metal to squeeze against the sides of her beautiful heart shaped face. I saw the deep-seeded fear in her eyes before she closed them, obviously trying to protect me.  

“I need to know about the patrol that keeps an eye on the Forest of The Vines,” Amelia slowly stated, “How many warriors there are, the schedule—everything.”

“The Forest of the Vines?” I smoothly questioned, “Why?”

“Arturo,” Amelia instructed as Arturo pushed harder on the back of Jillie’s head, the pain of the action immediately reflected in the sharp breath she took in and quivering lips. 

Something in me snapped—but in a good way—all my anxiousness and fear for Jillie flying heavily into my box—the top slamming shut as I intentionally replied, “You’re going to invoke this kind of pain on Jillie for a simple shortcut? I’m sure you have rogues on your payroll that can get that information, but if you want those answers now, fine, I’ll give them to you.” 

I let out a low, instinctive growl, harshly informing them, “But not until you let go of MY MATE! NOW!”

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

NICHOLAS

I was caught off guard, but grateful when Auntie linked me to say she and Horacio would be coming up to our beloved treehouse for a visit to inform Madeline of their secret. Apparently, they had told Vivian as well, and planned to tell Constance, not wanting Alastor, Jace, and me to keep secrets from them.

Madeline was a bit surprised at Horacio’s presence but was quickly distracted—as was I—as Auntie brought a surprise gift for us—a canvas similar to the one I was captivated by at her cottage of the stunning brook and wildflowers near there. While it was slightly different, there was still the same tranquility in it, making me incredibly touched by her gesture as I held it up, admiring her beautiful work of art. Soon after, Auntie decided it was time to divulge her secret—rendering Madeline speechless...

“Vivian had the same reaction,” Auntie uncomfortably stated, taking Madeline’s stunned expression in, “As I told her, at least you three will have confidantes to confide in—besides your handsome mates, of course. I am incredibly happy, though, so please be kind. I have found the King of Fury does have a soft side.”

“Another thing to keep private,” Horacio humorously retorted, his arm instantly around Auntie’s waist once their truth was revealed.

Madeline’s anxious mind was obviously at work, going into a bit of a panic as she interrogatively spilled out a myriad of questions, “I know it’s rather personal, but how long have you two secretly been—well, you two? And how long has Nicholas known about this secret of yours? What about the other members of The Council? Do they know? And what happens now? Are you leaving us? Are you moving to Spirit Walker? How is Jace handling all of this? He just got you back—we all just got you back. And your vision—what makes it necessary for this to remain hidden?

Horacio’s brows lifted—this was the first time he had seen my beloved Madeline in such a state—as he chuckled out, “Wow! You really pack it all in at once, don’t you?”  Humorously looking down at Auntie, he affectionately suggested, “Why don’t I take the first two and you take the rest? I wasn’t prepared for that—got a little lost!” 

Auntie sweetly grinned before Horacio cleared his throat, earnestly replying, “It started as friendship until just a few days ago, when we both realized it had become more than that—much more. Nicholas was made aware not long after, because of Tati’s vision.”  Laughing under his breath, he looked down at Auntie again, extending his hand out, “You’re up, beautiful.  Good luck—the other questions are all a blur for me after that.”

Laughing softly, Auntie comforted him, “I’ve got it from here, love.” Turning her attention to Madeline, Auntie kindly informed her that while she felt Mahan suspected but was respectfully not saying anything, neither he nor Soren were made aware, reiterating that while they had failed to keep the circle of knowledge as small as they had intended, she and Horacio were still trying to keep things low-key. 

Releasing herself from Horacio’s hold, Auntie walked up Madeline, wrapping her fingers around my mate’s hand as she lovingly informed her that she and Horacio had decided that she would primarily remain at Crescent Moon with visits made from time to time to Spirit Walker...

“I’m afraid it is necessary to keep Lorenzo from foolishly acting out,” Auntie giggled, “I love him, but as you are aware from the demonstration you had to endure, he tends to be a bit competitive and is a bit of a sore loser in both battle and arguments.”

“A bit of a Spirit Walker thing,” Horacio proudly grinned, pointing to himself, “If it helps, as I’ve told Nicholas, while I’m still the King of Fury, your Auntie is completely ruining me, changing that thought process a bit. I’m afraid, however, Lorenzo is a hopeless case. There’s no teaching an old wolf new tricks. However, there may be hope for Alastor—slight hope—but hope nonetheless.”

“Mmmmm,” Auntie hummed, wittily continuing, “Alastor will also depend on just how much he is a combination of Soloman and Lorenzo. But I will say Jace and Horacio have surprisingly bonded nicely. Maybe a little too close, truth be told, though I’m probably the only one who will think so, as they are both attempting to keep me in line—but Jace is quite happy for me.”

Taking in a deep breath, Auntie hesitantly exhaled out, “As far as my vision, I will let Nicholas fill you in, but I’m afraid for now, not much can be told as it is not complete. That was the root of our disagreement this morning and I’m asking for trust currently.”

Madeline’s stunning soft smile crossed her face as she squeezed Auntie’s hands, lightly swinging them between them as she ardently replied, “I know this sounds selfish—I was the same way with Vivian—but as long as I know you will be here with us, and you will allow us to know of this vision of yours as soon as it is complete, I can breathe.”

Peering over at Horacio, Madeline eyed him warily as she lightly warned, “As for you, King of Fury, you already know what it’s like to provoke the Rogue Eight! Step out of line in any way with our Auntie and the girls and I will hunt you down and give you a repeat dominating performance of our moves from the demonstration, understood?”

Horacio doubled over in laughter before humorously stating, “No offense, Nicholas, but I’m more afraid of your mate than you!”

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

After Auntie and Horacio left, Madeline and I took advantage of our alone time at the treehouse, making love and lounging in our bed afterwards. I was taking great pleasure in the feel of her naked body pressed against mine—Madeline’s soft, delicate hand slowly moving back and forth across my broad chest, grazing across my skin as I ran my fingers through her beautiful long brown hair. I was relieved Madeline knew everything now, while my mate continued to contemplate thoughts about our Auntie out loud...

Horacio helped me hang Auntie’s beautiful canvas on our bedroom wall during their visit, a painting that Madeline also greatly admired, “While I can’t wait to see Auntie’s other canvases tonight, I do love that painting. It brings such peace—all the way to my soul...a perfect fit for our room here.”

“It is a perfect fit, isn’t it?” I serenely replied, “It was very thoughtful of Auntie to gift it to us personally before the party. I guess she saw how enamored I was with the original hanging at her cottage. That makes it even more special to me.”

“I wouldn’t mind seeing the cottage some time, if Auntie wouldn’t mind,” Madeline thought out loud, “From what you have told me, it provided a lot of insight about her, as well as what she revealed about Soloman today.  In fact, looking at her painting now, it makes me wonder—water always seems to bring to Auntie such peace—do you think that is because of her time with Soloman at his pond?”

“Have I mentioned how ingenious you are?” I laughed out softly, “I hadn’t even thought of that—and knowing how close they were, I have a feeling you may be right.”

Madeline was silent for a few moments before reluctantly asking, “So, Auntie and Horacio...a rather odd couple, don’t you think? They are so different from one another in their personalities. Don’t get me wrong, Horacio appears to love and adore her, but they are so opposite in many ways. I know he says she has changed him, but I don’t want Auntie hurt if things don’t work out.”

“I think they will both remain very happy, as will their relationship,” I confidently breathed out, “The changes in Horacio are astronomical—in so many good ways. Auntie brings out the best in him—releasing Horacio from the pain of his own past. You saw him earlier—he was lighthearted and jovial—nothing like the Horacio you first met, or I have known for many years. He keeps saying Auntie has ruined him, yet admitted to me that he likes the man Auntie brings out in him—the man I have come to like a great deal to be honest. It makes me very excited for Horacio to be part of our integrated army.”

“As long as he doesn’t steal her away back to Spirit Walker,” Madeline heavily exhaled out, “I fear a conspiracy, especially with Lorenzo and Alastor’s reactions.”

Lifting myself up to hover over my stunning mate, leaving very little room between us as I wickedly grinned, “I can promise you two things: One, after seeing Auntie face off with them today, she has every intention of primarily remaining at Crescent Moon for life, going as far as threatening to incinerate the documents of their proof and even turning Lorenzo into a slug if he pushes it too far.”

Madeline giggled, “Is it bad that I want him to push enough to see that? Regardless, what is your second promise?”

I lowered my lips to my mark on her neck, placing gentle kisses all along it as I breathed out her answer in between, “If they do try anything, which I highly doubt...the Rogue Eight will be joined by their Crescent Moon mates in a war, if needed...to retrieve one of our greatest treasures...our Auntie!”

“Have I mentioned how I love the way you think and especially the way you express it?” Madeline softly moaned out, “In fact, I love you in every way, Nicholas...if we have enough time, I’ll be happy to show you.”

“Mmmmm,” I huskily blew out against the dampened skin on her neck left from my display of affection, her body shuttering in response, “I will always make time for that!”