Accepting Fate (Moonlight Trials Series #3)

Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Freybelle’s POV



I found myself sitting in a large office, decorated in shades of lilac and purple. It was official but gave an air of softness about it too. I was given a cup of tea whilst I waited and Beta Jack was sat in the corner, watching me cautiously. After around 30 minutes the door opened and in came the Luna, her handmaiden who I recognised from Nathan’s visions as Dawn and another gentleman I didn’t recognise. There was still fear radiating from her but not as dreadful as the first time we had met. I found that I could function and there was no headache this time. The emotions coming from everyone else were mixed. Dawn didn’t seem afraid only intrigued and kept staring at me. The stranger was emanating protection and disgust whilst Beta Jack was laid back and pretty calm.

“Hello Luna.” I greeted, bowing my head as Nathan had taught me. She nodded but didn’t speak. She looked me over and over before eventually nodding at Dawn.

“The Luna wishes to see your scars.” I frowned at Dawn before looking at the Luna. She was so afraid she couldn’t speak to me. Was this normal for the Luna to demand others to do her bidding. I thought it was rude but stood up and lifted my shirt, anyway, turning my back to her. I heard a gasp but stood still, waiting for her to take everything in.

“Thank you. The Luna has been told you do not have other scars as you have healed yourself, is this true?” Dawn asked and again I looked at the Luna frowning. I turned to Dawn.

“Yes, I am a white witch, our speciality is healing. I was able to heal myself so that I could find Nathan. If I hadn’t, I would have bled out before I reached him.” I answered, looking directly at Dawn. I saw the hint of a smile and wondered why. Dawn didn’t say anything but then asked another question.

“The Luna wishes…”

“Sorry…” I interrupted. “I understand that you’re terribly afraid of witches Luna, but this is just plain rude.” I snapped then realised what I had done and pressed my hand against my mouth. “Sorry… It’s just rude… I’m right here. Talk to me.” I felt a band of amusement run through the room and even from the Luna. I looked confused at everyone.

“I was just testing you…” The Luna finally answered, her voice soft and melodic.

“Testing me how?” I asked, my brows still furrowed.

“Ive spent the last few days being told how you’re polite and nice and wouldn’t hurt a fly. But the pain of what happened to me runs deep. I cant easily forget what your family did to me. I wanted to test your patience. Its all well and good being sweet and innocent but you also need to be able to stand up for yourself…” I nodded, it kind of made sense. “That doesn’t mean I trust you though… I don’t.”

“I understand.” I answered, calmly, even if I didn’t really. My entire being was trusting, even now, I hoped there was some underlying reason as to why my entire family had turned dark and twisted. However, I would hold my tongue and be respectful, mostly for Nathan’s sake.

“So… You claim to be able to heal me.”

“I can. I have healed myself as you can see. The scars on my back are proof and the fact I have no scars from the ritual…” She nodded. “I would need supplies though. Your scars have been there longer so a basic healing spell will not be enough. I can make a list for Nathan…”

“Yes… Nathan. Tell me. What is he to you?” I looked at her confused.

“A friend, I guess. I was led to him by the goddess.”

“You worship the goddess?” She looked surprised.

“We do. Witches have numerous goddesses for various things, but the moon goddess is one of them and I believe she led me to Nathan. I had visions of him at the cabin and I have never been around here or seen him before.”

“I find it hard to believe that your coven worshiped a good goddess.” I cringed.

“I do not know what evil they serve now but I can promise that I only follow the light. I was sheltered from anything they did and knew nothing of the ritual they carried out on you. I am sorry you went through that. I…” I faltered, not knowing how to explain that I understood the pain she went through. I did however see Dawn look at her Luna with sadness.

“So, Nathan means nothing else to you?” She questioned.

“I don’t know what you mean.” I said, not really understanding the mate bond Nathan talked about and even what I had researched didn’t seem to be fully what Nathan had described or shown me.

“I’m sure you don’t… Hes a very attractive man.” I nodded, smiling.

“I cannot argue with that. However, If youre implying that I am only offering to help because of Nathan you are wrong. My mother and sister and grandmother who is already dead, betrayed me. They killed my best friend in front of my eyes as part of the ritual. I want to help because they need to be stopped no matter what.”

“You want revenge?” She asked, her eyebrow raised in question. I did want revenge, but I also wasn’t a fighter. I loved my mother and sister but what they were doing was evil.

“I do… I love them dearly, but their minds are warped and twisted. My grandmother was barely recognisable when Nathan and I found her dead body. They are no longer the family I knew and loved.” With this the Luna stood up and looked towards the man I didn’t know.

“Francis, please summon Nathan to collect Freybelle. I need to talk to Jack so he cannot escort her back to the house.” Then she turned to me. “I still do not trust you. Nathan is to chaperone you anywhere you may need to go. You can get the things you need for the healing spell and the spell to find the coven. Your reward for helping us will be your freedom and life after all of this. I want you to do what you need to then leave. Do I make myself clear?” I looked at her with narrowed eyes. I understood her pain, but I was willingly helping. I didn’t want payment, but I wanted to be around Nathan.

“I do not require any payment Luna, but I have made a friend in Nathan.” I blushed a little, hoping that could become more. Dawn picked up on this and gave me a sad smile.

“Nathan is loyal to his pack. Not a witch. After this is done you will leave and never come back. Is that understood?” I nodded in agreement before lowering my head. Would Nathan leave with me? Especially if we were mates? I knew tears were beginning to fall as everyone vacated the Luna’s office.

Nathan’s POV

I didn’t know Freybelle had been summoned and part of me was annoyed that the Alpha would let the Luna speak to her without me there. Afterall I was responsible for her. I loved the Luna dearly but there was no hiding how much she disliked Frey. Every time I brought her up her face twisted in disgust. She refused to talk to me about her and referred to her as ‘the witch’ despite knowing her name. I practically ran to the Luna’s office where Francis had summoned me.

“Frey?” I asked as I walked into the office. She turned to me, and I could see fire in her eyes, but she also looked like she was ready to cry. “Are you ok?” She nodded at me.

“Ill leave her to you then Nathan. The Luna has requested she not leave your sight and that she can give you the list of things she needs.” I nodded a thanks to him.

“What happened?” I asked as she stood up from the chair. I saw her shoulders squared back as if she was trying to stand tall. “Frey?”

“Its nothing. The Luna just doesn’t really like me.” She laughed a little. “Makes sense though right?” I frowned at her, understanding this must be hard for her.

“You know you don’t have to do anything for us right. You could turn around and leave all of this…”

“I…” Her face seemed to soften before it turned hard again. “I have to make things right Nathan and I will…” Then before I could stop her, she stormed out of the office. I followed behind her. What had the Luna said to her. She was different.