Losing The Light Of The Moon

Choices of The Chosen...

Chapter 58:  Choices of The Chosen...

TATIANA

The expected exhaustion from my very full day hit me when I returned to my room, leading me to lie down on my bed for a moment to recuperate a bit from our successful mission at the Forest of The Vines. I still had a smile on my face as I closed my eyes, reliving the special moment I had with Caelus...

Hey, Beautiful, Horacio’s deep voice filtered into my mind, I’m done with my shower—care to secretly pop me over? I missed you today. You heard what we did to Tink—I’m apparently reverting back to being an ass. Need to see my Fairy Queen before all is lost!

Laughing under my breath, I lazily twirled my finger, keeping my eyes closed as I brought my handsome Beta into the room, taking in his musky, manly scent before dreamily exhaling out, “Mmmmm, you smell good.”

I felt him sit down on the bed beside me, his arm coming to lay on the other side of my weary body before I felt his hand press down firmly on the mattress, ever so slightly lowering himself down until his lips were on my neck, murmuring, “Thank you. Congratulations on your success today, love—on both counts.”   

Beginning a trail of soft kisses along my neckline, he lovingly inquired in between, “You look a little pale and incredibly tired, Tati. Are you alright?”

Running my hands through his thick damp hair, I reluctantly admitted, “Harnessing tends to take the wind out of me a bit. Give me a few moments, though—I’m quickly finding myself reenergized by your presence...and your very welcomed romantic efforts.” 

As I felt bare skin press against the small, exposed area of my chest—the rest of my body covered in a soft v-neck baby blue sweater—I curiously purred out, “Did you forget to put on a shirt after your shower?”

“Didn’t forget—chose not to,” Horacio murmured against my skin, continuing to work his way up towards the area behind my ear, whispering, “Smart call with Caelus, by the way, and he is over the moon happy. The bond you two have—this will be a good thing for him. He has grown incredibly fond of you—not as fond as his Unc is of you, of course, especially right now—but I have no doubt Caelus will flourish under the guidance of Auntie’s army.”

“Caelus is destined to flourish, but I’m glad the opportunity presented itself,” I grinned, my eyes still closed as my hands moved their way down to graze across his broad, well-defined, muscular back, “I’m looking forward to watching him grow as part of our army.”

Lifting himself up slightly, I felt Horacio’s lips above mine, his hot breath tantalizingly blowing out against them sexily, “Don’t think I missed you calling it our army, but I find myself continuing to be concerned about you. Tell me what happens—when you harness powers—the effect it has on you. I’d like to understand it more.”

Instinctively licking my lips in an enamored response to Horacio’s provocative tactic to obtain the information he sought, I felt another sensual shot of warm air hit my lips as Horacio chuckled, before I was kissed tenderly, a successful move to urge my answer... 

Whispering my reply, I explained to Horacio the intricacies in creating the balance of combined powers and the difficulties that were entailed in the effort—the control required to make sure I caused no harm to my body by keeping it contained in a special area inside that I had created and put in place long ago in my self-training—a space that did put a great deal of pressure on me, but a tolerable discomfort I had learned to manage. 

I told Horacio that was the reason I needed Raven to combine five powers now—training her to harness in order to offset the strength and potential danger of adding two more to the potent mixture—utilizing her extraordinary and vast talent to share control, thus making it safer for all involved.

I further explained the rigorous concentration it took for me to separate the combined overwhelming weight of five incredibly robust forces to enable that to happen, especially the overwhelming strength of Raven’s powers. To maintain stability, I had to multitask—there had to be intense focus not only on the other immense powers filtering through my small frame, but my own—leaving enough of my powers set aside to shield myself from harm. 

I saw deep concern building in Horacio—revealing itself in the growing intensity of his expression—reiterating to him that I diverted most of the discomfort by placing it in a special area of my mind to be contained and managed until I released the powers from my hold, thus the reason at times, I felt incredibly tired afterwards and in extreme cases, weakened and lightheaded from it, but always making sure I didn’t overextend myself, doing my best in the end to make sure the effect was minimal.

“You make it look so effortless,” Horacio ardently exhaled out, “but it’s anything but—what you can do, Tati—it truly is amazing. You are a master of control, aren’t you?”

“I have to be able to keep myself and everyone else protected—it took many years to master that control—I refused to even think about harnessing and combining powers until I knew it would cause no harm, other than a bit of exhaustion and slight side effects to me,” I alluringly replied, wrapping my arms around his neck as I opened my eyes to meet with his lustful gaze, mischievously grinning, “But there are other forms of control that I find have quite the opposite effect—control that reinvigorates me...would you mind if I demonstrate? A little wickedness in the afternoon with my handsome King of Fury?”

The heat rapidly rising between us, I saw the heavy desire in Horacio’s eyes, his tone filled with it as he hesitantly asked, “Not that you have to ask me twice, but are you sure you feel up to it, love? I can just show you how much I’ve missed you today for a bit, then hold you for a while, so you rest.”

“I’d much prefer wickedness,” I grinned, rasping out, “I guarantee you can bring me back to life, Horacio. One of the many reasons why I love you for eternity!”

“I love you and I’m more than happy to bring you back to life anytime you want—as many times as you want, gorgeous,” Horacio huskily returned, maneuvering his body to wrap around mine, “In fact, is there any chance you can put a lock on that revolving door of yours? And maybe some kind of added soundproofing cloak so we can both be really wicked? I wouldn’t mind a full demonstration. I really hope that includes being able to take advantage of all your amazing bewitching skills, every single one is magical, powerful, and pleasurable in so many ways.”

Horacio continued to tease me—his enormous warm hands reaching down to slide underneath my sweater, lifting it up until he reached my breasts, gently unsnapping my bra before tenderly cupping them, his lips pressing softly upon my skin as he murmured, “I love you, Tati—every single aspect of you, every inch of your gorgeous body. In you, I have found the real me—the man I have always been meant to be.”

I slowly lifted my hand in response, losing myself in the ecstasy of Horacio’s maneuver and his endearing, sweetly worded declaration, sending a bolt of green towards my door before seductively replying, “Well, after that, I believe a full demonstration is definitely in order! Our Do Not Disturb spell is in place—we won’t hear a thing—and neither will anyone else, love! Let the wickedness begin!”

As his mouth eagerly claimed my n****e, his tongue slowly circling around my hardening bud, I let out a soft moan, “Bring me back to life, Horacio—like only you can!”

***********

JILLIAN

Arturo had me stay in bed to rest—my whole body was sore following Amelia’s assault—my face, particularly my cheeks, slightly swollen and bruised. The problem was—Arturo stayed in bed with me--only leaving me alone in the room before dawn while I was still sleeping to have words with Amelia over her harsh treatment of me in the dungeon. While I’m sure she could have cared less what Arturo thought, at least it appeared no one suspected Mattias was truly my mate...

I hated his arms around me, but forced myself outwardly to express contentment as I faced away from Arturo on my side, my mind wandering to thinking about Mattias, wishing it was his arms around me now, jumping slightly as I was pulled from my thoughts by a knock on the door...

Arturo got up from bed, while I remained still, opening up the door before I heard Amelia kindly greet him, “I hope you don’t mind my interruption, Arturo. I know you wanted her to rest today, but I felt I should come by personally to offer my sincere apologies to Jillian.”

Slowly turning myself to sit up in the bed, I looked over at Amelia, who walked into the room casually dressed in a long black tunic and matching leggings. Straightening my simple pink tank top, I slowly brought my hand up to glide down my sore, bruised cheek, quietly acknowledging, “No apology is necessary, Amelia. Like Arturo says, sometimes we have to sacrifice ourselves to get what we want.”

Coming to the side of the bed, Amelia slowly sat down as I jerked my legs back to sit cross-legged to give her room as she extended out a small bottle towards me that looked like it had some sort of cream inside, “While that is true, I’m afraid I may have been too harsh in my execution. Put some of this on your face, it will help alleviate any pain and have you looking good as new in no time.”

Taking the concoction out of her hand, I placed it on the side table as I curtly replied, “Thank you. I’ll put some on in a bit.”  The last part was a lie, of course—I wanted nothing to do with Amelia’s magic...

“Arturo, there is another reason for my visit,” Amelia politely stated, “Kristoff would like a word with you. I’ll stay with Jillian if you would like. I feel there is a bit of animosity that remains between us. Perhaps a little girl talk will help.”

The last thing I wanted was to be left alone with Amelia—but I could see it in her intent black eyes—she wanted to talk alone, and I couldn’t help but worriedly wonder why...

“I don’t think—” Arturo warningly began before I stoically interrupted, “No, it’s alright, Arturo. I’ll hear Amelia out. Go see Kristoff. I don’t want to be the cause of any friction between you.”

“Alright,” Arturo reluctantly agreed, placing his knee on the bed, leaning in to kiss me on the side of my head, whispering in my ear, “I won’t be long. If she distresses you in any way, let me know—I’ll get back to you as quickly as I can.”

Nodding slowly, my eyes remained glued to Amelia’s knowing gaze, peering quizzically into hers, trying to read them.  After Arturo left the room, I summoned up all the courage I could muster, cautiously inquiring, “What do you want from me now, Amelia?”

“You are smart, aren’t you, Jillian?” Amelia slowly stated in a confident tone, “and while I realize you aren’t my greatest fan, I find it—admirable—as well as your bravery. All the while, I also find myself—curious.”

While anxious inside, I managed to remain calm and strong in my reply, “Curious? About what?”

“Your aura,” Amelia fascinatingly replied, “Mattias’ aura is expected to change and, while it is not unusual to see a change in the aura as a side effect of mate spell in both parties, I sense you have actually taken quite a liking to Mattias—have you?”

Add just a little truth, Jillian—you have to make this convincing, I chanted to myself as I steadfastly replied, “I don’t know about quite a liking, but I won’t lie to you, I didn’t realize how hard it was going to be—I wasn’t expecting him to react to me in such a way. Honestly, I don’t know what I expected. I do feel sorry for him—what Mattias’ is being put through—even though I understand the reason. I told as much to Arturo last night—I would prefer not to be involved in torturing him moving forward unless it’s absolutely necessary. At this point, it works to your advantage, right? By not seeing me, it only tortures him further.”

“That’s true,” Amelia coolly returned, appearing to believe my deflection, thoughtfully stating, “It seems you don’t have the heart of a typical Blood Horizon, Jillian. And truthfully, I find myself surprised and jealous by that—both your parents lost their lives because of The Council’s decision to destroy Roman, leaving you an orphan with no one to protect you—alone in this world—yet you have no vengeance in your heart. You’ve remained unjaded and innocent, despite what you have endured and continue to suffer through ever since.”

“It’s all about choices, I suppose,” I honestly told her, “Some we regret, some we are proud of. Some will haunt us forever—but in the end, we are what we choose to be.”

Amelia diverted her gaze down to her lap, letting out an uncomfortable laugh, “Wise words for one of only eighteen.”  

Bringing her gaze back up to mine, her dark eyes were eerily black—filled with evil and spite, emotions that also thickly reflected in her tone, “Be careful of your choices moving forward, Jillian. While I admire you, my heart has been jaded—my innocence lost by the death of my mother, and I have chosen a different road. Anyone who gets in my way will pay the ultimate price.”

Standing up, Amelia gave me a frightful, deadly warning, “I will not utilize you further unless it is absolutely necessary, but if I find it is needed, you will be given no choice in the matter, Jillian. For now, stay away from Mattias. I have seen that you will be drawn to seek him out—an attempt made because of your unjaded heart to ease his suffering, which could cause detriment to our plan. For your own sake, make the right choice in that decision—don’t. If you do as I ask, in the end, we will get our wishes fulfilled in the outcome—including your greatest wish.”

As she walked away, I anxiously voiced out my burning question before I could stop myself, “What wish of mine will be fulfilled?”

Her hand on the doorknob, Amelia turned, a maniacal grin on her face, “To be free of Arturo, of course. He won’t be a problem for you any longer after the battle, something that will honestly be satisfying to us both. The choice is yours, Jillian—as you have proven, you are well beyond your years...I do hope you choose wisely.”

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

HORACIO

My eyes were on the ceiling as I held my sleeping beauty close, still wrapping my head around Tati’s vast powers and abilities—the danger involved in what she made look easy—harnessing and separating not only her magic, but the magic of now four other powerful witches...

Her head resting on my shoulder, I looked down at the woman I loved—and had waited for all my life. Resting peacefully after our afternoon of satisfying pleasure and wickedness, her warm ever-present smile reflecting back at me—there was no denying my Fairy Queen’s beauty, even though she still looked a bit pale. I should have just been content to hold her, as I had told her earlier I would, but I couldn’t help myself—I had to see if there was any further information to be had to protect my love—starting simply at first to test our connection...

“Tati, my little Fairy Queen,” I murmured, placing my hand around hers, which was lying in my favorite spot, on my chest—right over my heart, “You said our army earlier, instead of Auntie’s army. Was there a reason why?”

As had occurred previously, the green aura appeared, wrapping itself around our enfolded hands—the satisfying and fulfilling feeling of connection with her warmly filtering into my body. A feeling I was quickly becoming addicted to—a feeling my wolf felt like it thrived on now, ecstatic and frenzied with joy as the warmth consumed us—before Tati faintly breathed out, “I love you, Horacio—what is mine is now ours—I want to face and share everything in life together—even Auntie’s army.”  She let out the sweetest breathless giggle before adding, “Privately of course.”

Well, now I really felt guilty for what I was doing—like I was betraying Tati—but my overwhelming love and need to protect her prevailed over my sense of wrongdoing—and I couldn’t help but feel there was a reason for this connection that was happening...

“I like the sound of that, Fairy Queen,” I lovingly whispered, “I love you too and want the same thing, you know—to face and share everything together. I hope you know everything I do, I do it for you—always for you, love.”

Snuggling her head into the crook of my neck, Tati sweetly exhaled out in her entranced state, “I know, one of the many reasons I love you—I feel so warm being connected like this with you. I like this feeling—a lot, in fact.”

Treading carefully, I once again had to push aside the guilt, continuing to ask the questions weighing heavily on my mind as I attempted to put the puzzle together, “I like it too—in fact, I love it—which is why I feel so concerned. Your visions—have they revealed potential harm to you in your battle with Frieda? You said there would be green and purple flying everywhere—I have to wonder if the battle only involves you two and will require you to test your boundaries of control—is that true?”

Tati’s expression fell slightly as she softly contemplated out loud with deep-seeded conviction, “It’s a possibility—still not clear yet, but I will get the full picture soon. There are still decisions left to be made. I will know what to do when the time comes...control has been mastered, remember? From such a young age. That’s why the powers were gifted. A heart that truly believes it’s the intent that matters. To treat magic as a gift and make it a positive act. You can trust that I will fight to protect and stay with my family that I love so dearly—with you, Horacio, no matter what. I’m sorry, but that’s all I can tell you for now.”

I let out a long sigh, my own perplexing thoughts overwhelming me, closing my eyes to allow the heartwarming connection between us to calm me, exhaling out heavily, “I won’t let you face it alone, my beautiful Fairy Queen—you said it yourself—we face everything together now, remember?”

Tati was quiet for a long moment before I felt a smile expand across her face against the skin of my neck, affectionately whispering out, “I know—I think that’s why you are my chosen one, Horacio.”