Losing The Light Of The Moon

Connections And A Misguided Meeting

Chapter 48:  Connections and A Misguided Meeting

MATTIAS

Leaned back against the bars, sitting on my cot, I looked over at Guntur, who faded quickly after our eventful afternoon. I was still worried about him—he was pale and while he tried to hide it from me, he was still in intense pain.

Guntur managed to covertly show Mrs. Dottie our message out of sight of the guard, again using his cheese as the notepad and eating the evidence. While remaining calm and cool, her brown eyes reflected understanding—I just hope she and Jillie can find the tool we need to get out of here...

After we were left alone again, Guntur slid Jillie’s note to me—a note I was currently running my thumb over as I reflected on our quick, but meaningful kiss. I felt everything in the feel of her plump lips on mine—confidence, happiness, and deep undeniable love and devotion that I never thought existed—I was completely and utterly in love with my mate...

I couldn’t open the note immediately, a big part of me wanting to read it privately, able to feel like it was just me and Jillie in the room—but she wasn’t here—she more than likely in Arturo’s room, a maddening thought I forced into my box...

The light was dim, but my heart couldn’t wait any longer as I unfolded my Jillie’s note, keeping it low and out of sight in my lap in case there was a chance Amelia would see it in a vision, not that I was sure it would help. Knowing I didn’t have much time before it disappeared, I read it several times through before it would vanish in my hands—

I’m not sure what to write, because I don’t know

how you feel about me now, but know that

while being devastatingly forced to be untrue to you,

my heart and my love are yours and only yours for eternity.

Which is why I hope that one day you can see what I see—

You are SO MUCH more than a legacy, Mattias!

You have strength, bravery, curiosity, kindness, and heart.

As an Alpha, you can and will make a difference!

I will always believe in YOU!

All my love,

Jillie

It devastated me to see the note disappear—I wanted to hold onto it forever. Instead, I continued to sit and contemplate how I was going to get us out of this mess—and hoped the bracelet that was our key to freedom would be found soon!

***********

HORACIO

After Caelus left, Tati looked completely exhausted after her long eventful day, leading me to suggest that we snuggle together on the bed for a while...

“Thank you for that,” I quietly thought out loud, wrapping my arms around her, “Caelus is a good kid and usually, the more sensible one I don’t worry about. You are right about him, though. He is one hell of a warrior—fights like his dad—and has always been well beyond his years. I like that you’ve seen what he can become and motivate him towards it. Wish all your visions were like that.”

“I do too,” she murmured drowsily, “I prefer those. And Caelus is destined for greatness—in fact, I will let you in on another secret. He will prove so soon—with Jace, Nicholas, and Alastor. He is an impressive young man.” 

I had always been intrigued by how Tati’s visions worked—fascinated by her ability to see so much of the future. Playing with one of her curls, I curiously asked, “So, what is it like? Seeing someone’s future like that? How does it work? Is it a connection thing?”

“A connection—especially a deep one—can bring forth scenarios quite easily at times, both good and bad, but especially those of danger to those I love, something I’m grateful for,” Tati serenely answered, “but it can also be completely random—visions that come to me that I can’t control or understand a reason that it is made known. Just as when I try to conjure up a vision, at times it works and others it doesn’t.  Visions can be quite daunting, truthfully. Took me some time to adjust to it and accept it for what it is...but at times it can be quite a burden.”

“Doesn’t have to be,” I lovingly returned, “You can always talk to me about it, especially if it burdens you. Maybe talking about it will help.”

“At times, it most certainly might,” she grinned, “I’ll remember that, but you may need to remember you said that. Sometimes the things that pop into my mind are a bit twisted and make no sense whatsoever.”

Snuggling in tighter next to me, Tati laid her hand on my chest, right above my heart, sleepily breathing out, “Have I mentioned I love you are so...warm...and so very comfortable to snuggle up next to? I love feeling your heartbeat beneath my hand.”

“You have mentioned warm, but the snuggling and heart thing is new,” I humorously replied, kissing the top of her head, “Have I mentioned I wish you would divulge more information about your vision?”  

I was met with silence. Thinking she was trying to ignore my question, I softly called out, “Tati?” After still not receiving a reply, I looked down to see my beautiful Fairy Queen had fallen asleep, chuckling as I laid my hand on top of hers, wrapping my fingers around her soft, tiny fingers above my heart before whispering out, “I really wish you would tell me more about this vision of yours.”

Directly after, a soft green glow came up through our grasped hands—a light that was emanating from Tati’s fingers—slowly enveloping around our hands as a comforting warmth filtered through my body straight into my heart like it was—connecting me to Tati in some way. The feeling was so beautiful—like nothing I’ve ever felt before. I had no idea what was happening or what to do—and then, the most unexpected thing happened—Tati answered me...

“The vision is still not complete,” she faintly exhaled out, slowly murmuring, “So much unknown—the power—there’s too much power—it’s dangerous...but I’m the one she wants. I tried to stop it. I don’t want to do it, but she’s not going to give up.”

Our magical connection provided me a tranquility inside, but Tati’s words gave me more questions...questions I wondered if I could get answers to...

“What don’t you want to do, Tati? Who isn’t giving up?” I softly urged, gently pulling her in tighter.

“Frieda,” Tati depressively sighed, continuing in hastened breath, “Green and purple—it’s flying out everywhere. I must be careful—protect my family—she wants to hurt them—she’ll want to hurt you if she knows. And my sisters...they don’t know, no one does...Frieda knows that.”

In her vision—was Tati fighting Frieda? Did that mean Frieda—was going to escape? More importantly, what don’t any of us know? My mind was a flurry of thoughts, ones that would typically cause anger and fear—but right now, I felt so—calm...

“What don’t we know, Tati? Tell me, please,” I softly asked, holding my breath, hoping she would give me the answer—but was immediately disappointed in her reply.

Her tone was almost child-like as she replied, “No. I can’t. Not yet.  I have no choice. The decisions—they can’t come from emotions. She’ll win—Frieda can’t win—I can’t let her hurt my family...not again.”

Whatever this was, this was one answer Tati was still going to protect—but no matter what it took, I was going to protect her. As I was about to press further, the light began to dissipate, leaving me devastated at the loss of the glorious feeling I had inside of being one with my Fairy Queen...

“I love you, Horacio,” Tati murmured under her breath, “I’ll protect you, always.”

My eyes drifted over to look at Tati’s mark—my Fairy Queen—on my shoulder before I leaned my head down again, breathing out my devoted reply, the air causing a couple of her blonde curls to wisp up slightly in response, “I love you, Tati. I will protect you always as well, even if it’s from yourself.”

“I will do what I have to—protect all of you,” Tati softly exhaled out, “Even if everyone doesn’t want me to—even if I don’t want to.”

Tati let out a long, contented sigh before falling silent as the light completely disappeared. My lips still on top of her head, I distractedly mumbled out, “That’s what I’m worried about, love...because I know that is exactly what you plan to do. I just need to figure out how to keep you safe and give us all the outcome we want. I refuse to lose you, Tati—not now, not ever.”

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

JACE

Laying on our window bed, I looked out at the bright moon, holding my sleeping Goddess tight as I was having a private conversation with Horacio and Nicholas...

Horacio first told us about Caelus and how Mother stopped him from making a decision that could have potentially cost him his life—something I was incredibly relieved for...a lifesaving vision. Her other vision and admissions to Horacio, however, through whatever this magical connection was that happened between them left me concerned—very concerned...

Horacio’s voice was filled with worry, The vision still isn’t clear, but this Frieda thing and Tati’s secret—something she’s even hiding from Persephone and Reina—she still refused to tell me.

At least you were able to confirm that she doesn’t have the full picture, Nicholas earnestly stated, but I am rather surprised that even Auntie P and Auntie Ro don’t know this secret of hers.

Whatever is ahead, Mother is going to be in the center of it, I stressed, I don’t like that Frieda knows this secret of hers and we don’t. 

Neither do I, Nicholas slowly replied, Maybe Lorenzo and I need to pay Frieda a visit.

Don’t think it will do any good and if she finds out, it will infuriate Tati, Horacio warned, Frieda’s not going to give up the secret—its her only weapon. Plus, its an emotionally driven decision—could change things—and not the way we want. 

Well, it seems Mother continues to have an influence on you, I thoughtfully replied, just don’t rid yourself of the King of Fury altogether—unfortunately, I think we are going to need that side of you—soon.

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

TATIANA

I was awakened at dawn by a vision—one that started my day off on the wrong foot completely—and not only because Horacio was not lying next to me when I awoke, but because of why...another early morning meeting was being held...in Lorenzo and Priscilla’s room.

Quickly dressing, I popped in—surprising them all—Lorenzo, Priscilla, Horacio, Jace, Nicholas—and Alastor...

“Well good morning, all,” I knowingly grinned, “Early morning start?”

Smiling, Priscilla greeted, “Good morning, Tati.  We all awoke early. Decided to have some coffee, although I’m told it’s nothing like yours.”

“Good morning, Mother,” Jace apprehensively greeted, jumping up and rushing over to hug me tightly before kissing me on the cheek.

“Mmmmm,” I hummed, before pleasantly accusing, “Any of you care to explain the wickedness afoot this morning?”

“Warned all of you this was a bad idea,” Horacio murmured under his breath, slowly making his way towards me with a guilty expression, “Tati, before you singe us all—”

Swiftly bringing my hand up with a stern, infuriated tight lipped grin, Horacio froze as I looked around the room, seething, “I can end this debate and discussion now! If you want to add more guards at the prison, fine! But do not under any circumstances go to see Frieda! And while I understand that it is being done out of love and protection of me—quit expanding the circle of those who know about my relationship with Horacio!”

Clearing his throat, Alastor slowly stood up, cautiously stating, “I was told out of love for you, Auntie—not just theirs, but mine.  We are only trying to figure out how to protect you.”

My tone slightly softened in my reply, “And I love you all for that. But I have spent many years dealing with my visions, which require your trust when I say I will let you know when the time is right, something I have every intention of doing. There is no room for rash, emotional decisions, which you have just proven will occur if you know anymore than you have been told now.”

Alastor’s loving expression deterred my anger for a moment as he came to stand directly in front of me, “Can I at least ask a question? Vivian and I were talking last night—about the night you saved us from the attack—you told her that you moved around a lot and that you didn’t have control of your powers. But when the aunts told us the story yesterday, they said you stayed at the cottage here in Crescent Moon territory and that you were always in full control of your powers and mastered everything almost instantly.”

I knew I needed to continue to reflect my calm exterior, hiding the anxiousness Alastor’s questions brought forth, which I did as I stoically stated, “Perhaps it appeared that way to them, but inside, I didn’t feel I was in enough control—I was so young, and it felt very overwhelming to have so much power inside me. And in my years on my own, training myself, I did have to learn to control it as my powers increased dramatically during that time.”

Taking in a deep breath, I exhaustively exhaled out, “As far as living in the cottage, it was a favorite and one I would alternate with other homes to keep myself hidden, especially as it is where our parents are buried. I was protecting my sisters from the knowing about my required nomad life because of the additional devastation it would cause. And I would appreciate that secret being kept both for them and for me—it will only provoke Persephone to press me further about the past again and my focus needs to be on what we have in front of us now.”  

Lorenzo shifted slightly in his seat, watching my every expression and listening to every word intently as I know he always does, cautiously advising me, “Tati, I have always respected your process, but the lack of knowledge in this situation and sensing the danger I feel it presents to you after hearing your reactions to the visions that both Jace and Horacio have seen is the reason for this meeting. I know firsthand that the Forest of The Vines is not a place to trifle with. If you want to be angry, be angry at me—and know that if I think for a second that you are about to sacrifice yourself in any way again, I will request that Nicholas allow The Council to force your hand and order you to tell us everything.”

Locking my jaw, I irritatingly retorted, “You have experienced it firsthand, Lorenzo, which means you know better than anyone that I have always protected myself quite well on my own. If you try to force my hand, I will do what I do best until the time is right!”  Defiantly raising my hand in the air, I forcefully made a circle in the air with my hand, disappearing from the room...in fact, unbeknownst to them, I disappeared completely from Crescent Moon...

**********

JILLIE

I was grateful that not only did the guard stretch the truth from earlier today to save his skin from Kristoff—telling him that everything went as he asked—but that Arturo fell asleep quickly tonight. It enabled me to relive Mattias’ sweet kiss from earlier and replay his words in my mind—I love you, Jillie. Despite knowing what I had done, despite everything.  He not only forgave me, he loved me!  My wolf felt like she was doing backflips in my body as those thoughts came forth. I finally had a true purpose in life—Mattias!

Reluctantly, I moved those thoughts to the side, thinking about what Mrs. Dottie told me privately upon her return. She and I were now on the hunt for Guntur’s magical bracelet—a way for all of us to hopefully instantly escape! The problem was, we didn’t know who had the bracelet...which meant we had to carefully search four rooms, under the guise of cleaning. Mrs. Dottie wants to take it upon herself to find it in case anything goes wrong, but I can’t let her make that sacrifice.  We are going to do this together!

My plans had changed now—I was no longer looking for a bean to make our escape in the forest—thankfully, we had something better—MAGIC! And for the first time, I would experience good magic—the magic that would allow me to live a life I never thought was possible, a life that I never allowed myself to even dream about...but the Moon Goddess showed mercy on me, proving that I wasn’t alone in this world—she has shown me how to dream again...and I was FOREVER grateful for her gift!