Losing The Light Of The Moon

The Ugly, The Bad, And The Good, Times Two...

Chapter 55:  The Ugly, The Bad, and The Good Times Two...

MATTIAS

I gave Amelia and Arturo the information on our patrol that was dispatched to the Forest of The Vines. Apparently, the forest was now part of their plans. Fortunately, thanks to my cooperation, Jillie was released from Arturo’s hold. I had to be careful when I looked at her, her eyes full of despair as I answered their questions tore at my heartstrings and I needed to remain strong and confident in my replies. 

Pacing back and forth along the front of my cell, I made it appear that my tray was in my way, picking it up early in our discussion to set it on my bed, making sure the cover on my plate remained in place to conceal my food before going back to pacing again. Guntur helped answer a few questions as my future Beta remained calm throughout.

At the end of our interrogation, however, Amelia unexpectedly pulled a power move—proving she was not through with her demonstration of control. Directing her powers to twist around Jillie’s body, Amelia sent her high into the air, Jillie’s eyes widening again in terrified horror. Something that seemed to bother Arturo a great deal as well...

I couldn’t stop my immediate reaction when I heard Jillie fearfully scream out as she was powerfully thrust towards my cell, her long blonde hair ferociously thrown forward by the force, my wolf’s fury profound in my loud roar, “NOOOOO! STOP! JUST TELL ME WHAT ELSE YOU WANT TO KNOW!”

Jillie’s slender body came to a halt just before her body slammed into the metal rods, my chest heaving as her hair swooshed backwards in response, revealing thick, heavy tears streaming down my beloved mate’s pained face.  

Taking slow, half-steps, Amelia stealthily came towards me, seething, “Take a good look at her, Mattias. It may be a while before you see your Jillian again—if ever. We will need to decide if you can be of continued use to us—and any further punishment Jillian must be given for lying to us.”

Amelia then methodically sent Jillie forward, her face ever so slightly pressed harder and harder into the small gap between the bars until the metal was compressing unyieldingly against her cheeks, inflicting additional pain—pain I had fought to avoid altogether inflicted upon my Jillie, bringing forth more tears. The sight of what was being done to my mate tore me into shreds inside.

“Let her go, you’ve punished her enough,” I gratingly whispered out, reaching out to gently take Jillie’s hand in mine, profusely apologizing to her, “I love you so much, Jillian. I’m sorry—for all of this—it’s all my fault.” 

“Go ahead, kiss her and make it better, Mattias,” Amelia amusingly teased, “You know you want to—you love her. Last chance before I send her back upstairs to her own prison.”

There was nothing I wanted more than to kiss Jillie, but between the look in her eyes desperately begging me not to and Amelia’s apparent strong desire for me to do what she knew I wanted more than anything—I refrained, coldly murmuring, “Enough of your games, Amelia. Just let her go and leave Jillian out of this. This is between you and me.”

Slowly pulling Jillie back, Amelia proudly boasted, “It appears you have done some growing up since your arrival, Mattias. Pity. I was so looking forward to watching you be thrown against the wall behind you. Oh, well. Perhaps I can still satisfy my craving for some comeuppance.  Maybe there is someone else who can kiss Jillian to make her feel better...what do you think, Arturo?”

As soon as the words came out of her mouth, Amelia viciously dropped her magical hold on Jillie. Not prepared for it, she lost her balance, her body beginning to tumble towards the ground. But in an instant, Jillie was caught and pulled into the arms of—Arturo. 

One of Arturo’s hands immediately came up to gently wrap around her stunned face, caressing a streak of red with his thumb where one of the bars had left a mark before leaning down to passionately kiss Jillie’s lips, her body stiffening in response, sending me into a full-on rage inside, my whole body shaking as my wolf violently fought to be set free.

My ferocious roar deafeningly echoed throughout the dungeon, “GET YOUR HANDS OFF HER NOW! SHE’S MINE! JILLIAN IS MINE, ARTURO!”

Turning his head to flash me a satisfied grin, Arturo sneered, “You wish, boy! But don’t worry, I’ll take excellent care of her. Amelia, send Jillian and I back to our room please!”

Before I could blink, they were gone and I was left helpless and destroyed—but only on the inside...On the outside, however, I was infuriated and determined...

Glaring at Amelia, I furiously spat, “I am the future Alpha of Howling Wind and Jillian is MY LUNA! No one will ever hurt her without paying a price for it! NO ONE! Mark my words—one day, ALL of you will pay for what you have done! To us and especially to HER!”

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

TATIANA

Horacio and I were canoodling on the couch when the inevitable knock came at my door, leading Horacio to reiterate that the cottage could be of great use to us, as my door at Crescent Moon tended to be a revolving one. Laughing softly, I hurried to open it, expecting to see Jace and Constance. But it wasn’t—my good humor was immediately replaced by deep concern as I found instead an incredibly ravaged Umar on the other side...  

“I’m sorry, Tati,” Umar uncomfortably greeted, “I hope I’m not interrupting you.”

“My door is always open to you, Umar,” I warmly greeted, ushering him in, “Don’t ever apologize for visiting me. I’m always happy to see you. Though currently, I will admit that I am incredibly concerned about you.”

Horacio’s reaction was much like mine, extremely unsettled as he took in his best friend’s unusually downhearted state—worriedly asking if Celestia was alright and looking more and more guilty as Umar somberly told him that she was refusing to eat and barely sleeping—in fact, currently, Umar was struggling to get Celestia to leave their room at all. 

Taking in a deep breath, Umar then told us the real reason for his visit.  After our talk, Caelus decided that he needed to be honest with his father while also continuing to fiercely protect his already devastated mother, asking Umar to take a walk with him alone to look at my bench after Celestia finally fell asleep for a bit, leaving her with Altalune, who kept an eye on her for them. 

As they were sitting by the water, Caelus told Umar everything—the plans he made and intended to execute—who talked him out of it...and how he was discovered. The heartfelt relief and gratitude in Umar’s tone and expression was touching as he thanked Horacio and I for our help—but then he alarmed us both again—dishearteningly stating that he felt he had failed both of his sons.

“Umar,” Horacio hoarsely replied, protectively exclaiming, “You haven’t failed those boys! They’re young—we all do foolish things when we are young—”

“Foolish things? Horacio, both my boys are thinking about and doing things that could get them killed!” Umar harshly interrupted, “Thankfully, Caelus was honest and told me about the foolish idea he had—an idea you and Tati talked him out of! If Tati hadn’t had that vision—I don’t even want to think about what could have happened.” 

Staring off into nothing, Umar quietly rambled out, “Guntur has always been mischievous and pushed every boundary he could, but I thought he was finally coming around! He promised that he and Mattias were buckling down and focusing on the future—and then they went into the Forest of The Vines—knowing it was forbidden—and all I can think about is what I could have done differently to stop it!”

Gingerly walking towards him, I softly consoled, “Umar, please do not do this to yourself. I agree that Mattias and Guntur made a terrible decision, but I also know you and Celestia—you are extraordinary parents—neither of you are at fault. I know none of this is easy for you, but I do still feel very certain the boys will return home safely.”

“Tati is right, Umar,” Horacio earnestly said, “I promise you on my life—the boys will return home safe. I also promise that I will be a better friend—I’m sorry that I haven’t been there for all of you like I should have been.”

“Tati, I trust you and I’m trying to remember to believe in your feeling that the boys will return home safe. Honestly, it’s the only thing keeping me sane right now. Guess I should thank you both for allowing me to vent for a moment,” Umar thoughtfully replied before shifting the subject, “And I know you’ve had your hands full, Horacio, so stop feeling guilty. Soren told me all about what happened this morning. I’m not happy with Lorenzo’s threat made to Tati, by the way, nor are any of Auntie’s army and we’re all still a little shocked by the news Tati is—was—a Spirit Walker.” 

It appeared Umar’s distress had been eased slightly as he half-heartedly grinned, “No offense to my best friend here, but it was unanimous, Tati—we all think choosing Crescent Moon was a good call.”

“Can’t really say that I blame any of you,” Horacio chuckled, “but it has been agreed that Tati’s a shared treasure, thank you very much.”

“I couldn’t agree more, which is another reason I needed to see you, Tati,” Umar sincerely said, “Caelus said you saw Guntur as Beta, which not only eased his mind, but helped mine as well.”

His gaze filling with deep admiration, Umar softly continued, “But then Caelus told me all about his future—the future you saw in store for him—you have no idea how much you have inspired and motivated him—what you have instilled in him. And the bracelet—which he cherishes more than anything in this world, by the way—the beautiful words of wisdom that he carries with him always now—valuable reminders to see every day. I know how to repay Horacio for his help with what you two stopped from happening—my eternal loyalty, friendship, and food. But how do I repay you for the incredible gifts you have given my son?” 

“Well, I have grown quite fond of Caelus,” I humorously mused, “You could let me keep him. I may need him to help protect me from my Spirit Walker side of the family.”

Umar laughed, running his hand across his forehead, “I have a better idea—just hold him close to your heart, which will make him an incredibly fortunate young man and let Auntie’s army handle that side of your family. We are always at your disposal.”  Taking in a sharp breath, he added, “Seriously, Tati. How—”

“You owe me nothing, Umar,” I warmly returned, “I hold all of you close to my heart as my family. And I will do anything for my family. Always and forever. Which is why we are all going back to your room, so I can talk with Celestia for a while—and see my Caelus, of course! Let’s see if we can’t get Celestia out of the room for a bit—maybe provide her with some peace, if only for a moment, shall we?”

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

JILLIAN

When I first saw Amelia, my heart stopped. And even after Arturo quickly linked telling me that Amelia had seen the kiss I shared with Mattias in a vision and wanted to take quick advantage of it to get information, I was still fearful of discovery. But then I was fearful for Mattias—the tortured look in his eyes as Amelia and Arturo took a harsh route to get what she wanted, using me as their weapon. 

And then for a moment, I wondered if Amelia had discovered the truth—my body was trapped in her magic, tossed around at her will and shoved hard into the bars of the cell—immense pain I was willing to bear for my love—but then when she coaxed Arturo to kiss me in front of Mattias and what he said to my beloved mate afterwards before we disappeared from sight—I was left completely and utterly devastated...

Arturo came out of the bathroom with a cold rag, gently placing it on my face, softly apologizing, “I’m sorry for what you were put through, Jillian, and the necessary part I had to play in the whole thing. You were so brave, love. I’ll make this up to you, I promise. Amelia is going to get an earful from me about that last stunt she pulled. Though it fulfilled its purpose. Mattias’ face at the end—he was completely coming apart at the seams.”

“Was it really necessary to be that harsh?” I frightfully asked, “It seemed a bit excessive to me and not just because I’m the one that was injured and left to bear the brunt of your torturous punishment.”

“Roman was like that,” Arturo admiringly stated, “Being harsh always worked for him too.” 

Grazing his fingers lightly across my cheek, he wholeheartedly said, “Unfortunately, that’s how you get what you want in life, Jillian. Sometimes you have to sacrifice yourself. But you won’t have to worry about that anymore. I saw what it did to you today—admittedly, it hurt me too—the pain you endured. So, unless it is absolutely necessary, I don’t want you to go back down there. Mrs. Dottie will take care of the trays from now on. You have too big of a heart and have sacrificed yourself enough.  I’m sorry that I’ve taken advantage of your loyalty to me. I will always protect you, Jillian. So, I’ll make all the sacrifices from now on, alright?"

My heart shattered at the thought of not being able to see Mattias anymore—my wolf howling frantically at the thought of it. But more importantly, Arturo sounded sincere—too sincere—which alarmed me more...

Had Mattias and I been discovered, as I know we both feared? If not, how was I going to find a way to see him? I knew the answer, which brought on more alarming thoughts—I had to find that bracelet!

I knew I didn’t have time to think about that now—those were thoughts for later—for now, I needed to reply as earnestly to Arturo as I could, making it as convincing as I could with as much truth as possible...

“Thank you, Arturo,” I softly replied, “You’re right—I don’t ever want to go through anything like today again. Unless it’s necessary, I don’t want anything more to do with torturing Mattias.”

***********

TATIANA

Even after hearing about her understandable struggle, I was still rocked by Celestia’s fragile state. She looked so exhausted and frail yet continued to try and maintain her amenable demeanor as we visited for a while. Altalune was standing faithfully by her side, worried about her as well, their bond obviously very deep, much like a love shared between a mother and a daughter.

After talking it over with Aruna and Alta, they eagerly agreed to help me with a plan to do what we could to help Celestia. While it took some convincing, I was able to get Celestia to come to my room of canvases to choose a few for herself, as she was not planning on attending the dinner that night. It felt overwhelming for her, which I understood, and while saying she felt guilty about choosing before the rest of my family, as she walked among my paintings, it did seem to ease her mind slightly. One painting in particular seemed to touch her heart...

I saw a momentary gleam in her eyes as Celestia saw the painting of a pond with two swans in the center, their heads lovingly close to one another forming a heart shape between them. Various lillipads lined all around, as well as blue water lilies floating on top with reflections of them in the water below and pink water lotuses for contrast. In the background on either side were willow tree branches with long narrow leaves of soft green and fluffy clouds in the skyline, providing some texture. 

“You really painted all these?” Celestia curiously asked, walking up to closely peer at the painting, “They’re all so beautiful. This one reminds me of a pond my father and I used to go to on our walks when I was little. There was a family of swans that we would find there every now and then on their migration south.”

“I remember you telling me about that,” Umar lovingly said, standing beside her, “Your father would always tell you that he didn’t mind that they were there for a short time because he always had a beautiful little swan all his own at home.”

Celestia let out a soft giggle, “It’s because of my long neck, I’m sure.”

Umar bent down to kiss his spot on her neck, affectionately whispering, “Must be why I love swans!”

“Sounds like you have found a painting to take home,” I grinned, “Let’s see what else you find.”

“I’m very happy with this one. In fact, I love it a great deal, thank you, Tati,” Celestia sweetly grinned, holding it up to admire it as a soft smile crossed her face, “I don’t want to be greedy.”

“You do see all these canvases, right?” Horacio chuckled, “Believe me, there’s plenty.”

Soon after, Aruna and Altalune came in with a tray of small plates of dinner option samples for our gathering that night, explaining—as we had planned—that they needed opinions as several were new recipes. After a bit of coaxing, we were able to get Celestia to try several things, easing Umar’s mind as he appreciatively smiled and nodded at us afterwards.

Picking up the special cup of tea I had made for Celestia, Altalune, Aruna, and I sat down beside her while Umar supportively stood behind her chair. I explained that I had prepared it for her, adding a little something to help her rest. After all three of us gently urged her to drink it, Celestia nervously looked up at Umar, who knelt beside her, affectionately telling her that we were all worried about her health and that Guntur would want her to drink it as well as he would be heartbroken to see her suffering in such a way.  

Slowly nodding in agreement, Celestia reached out to take the cup from my hand, appreciatively saying, “Thank you, Tati. Truthfully, I am very tired, but I just can’t stop thinking about my Guntur—his injuries—not knowing if he is being tended to and cared for properly.”  

Taking a sip, she distantly stared off, thoughtfully adding, “I just wish Guntur could send me a sign to let me know he’s alright and safe until we can get to them...to help me not worry so much. I miss him...I miss my Guntur so terribly, especially now. He always knows how to calm me in his own special way.”