To Have And To Hold

Strength And Support In Numbers...Part II

Chapter Thirty-Six: Strength and Support In Numbers...Part II

LUMINARA

Directly after Loa’s declaration, Father appeared in the room, his grey eyes going wide as they darted over from their bed to the balcony, anxiously chastising as he rushed to her side, kneeling beside her, “Loa! What are you doing? You are supposed to be resting, my love!”

Flashing him a warm smile, Loa affectionately returned, “I have been resting and still am, Mahan. I’m afraid I have selfishly taken advantage of Luminara and Anabelle’s kindness. They helped me keep my promise of a nice dinner with you this evening by taking care of everything for me while I sat here directing their every move. They even helped me dress for the occasion. I just now sent Anabelle home to Spiros.”

“Well, I will be sure to thank Anabelle when I see her in a few days,” Father thoughtfully replied, his gaze falling upon me as he stood back up, “And I thank you, my darling daughter, but you should be resting as well, Luminara. I’m sure Badru is anxious to not find you in your room where you told him you would be.”

Extending my arms out, I stepped forward to lovingly embrace him, whispering in his ear, “Badru knows exactly where I am, as I informed him of mine and Loa’s plan. He’s patiently waiting for me in the dining room where I have dinner set out for him as well. I just wanted to greet my father and make sure he is alright before heading downstairs—or waddling, as the case may be.”

“While I can say that I’m grateful, my beautiful girl, I cannot say that I’m fine,” Father sadly returned, “I underestimated Igor, Luminara—and I knew better. And because of that, Tati and Horacio are once again in dire straits.”

Leaning back, I fervently replied, “Igor has been an enemy of Moon Stone my whole life, Father, but he has never done anything as vile and contemptable as he did today. None of us would have expected him to turn our own men against us. But just as Igor has aligned himself with the Blood Horizons in his self-serving cause, this time we are aligning ourselves with all The Council armies to defend against it instead of attempting it all on our own. Our numbers are greater than Igor will ever have on his side and better still, we have the Sorceress Six that will further help enable our victory. I truly believe that this time, we will finally defeat him—our united family will defeat all of them.”

“Nicely put, Luminara,” Loa graciously complimented, “I dare say spoken as well as someone else I know.”

“I’m not so sure about that, but it was spoken like a true Alpha,” Father admiringly exhaled out, “You make me very proud, daughter.”

Beaming at him, I reverently returned, “You make me very proud, Father—and you make your grandchildren very proud, Pop-Pop. We all love you, our formidable and resilient, Alpha—always.”

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

ANABELLE

Arriving back to Crescent Moon, I was surprised when I found Maxim waiting on the couch in Aruna’s great room, looking just as perplexed—both of us confused as he informed me that Jade asked him to meet her there just as she, Zayn, Remi, Zayden, and my Spiros appeared...

Running into Spiros’ arms, I wove my arms around his neck, kissing him tenderly before exhaling out in relief, “I’m so glad you’re finally home and safe, Spiros.”

“Me too, Belles,” Spiros adoringly replied, “And I know you want to go down to the hospital, but we need to talk to you and Maxim first.”

I could see the angst and apprehension in Spiros’ eyes as I worriedly replied, “Is everything alright?”

“Let’s go sit down,” Spiros quietly urged, taking hold of my hand, and guiding me towards the plush couch.

As it turns out, there was more devastation to be had after the events in the clearing—much more. I appreciated the care everyone took in explaining everything that happened, even if Maxim and I fell further into despair with every new detail they revealed...

As Spiros explained all the harrowing events in the clearing, a flood of different emotions one right after another flowed through me. I felt proud—so very proud—blown away by Spiros’ instincts and actions in the chaos that ensued between our family and the entranced Moon Stone warriors. And proud didn’t even begin to describe how I felt when I learned he jumped into the melee to protect Loa. My love, appreciation, and admiration of my mate only continuing to grow and deepen...

I felt immense gratitude towards Auntie for two reasons—her cloaking spell that enabled Spiros and Beast to remain unseen, allowing Beast to go after Sahar and Arturo—and her arrival, stopping the dangerous mayhem from continuing, but at the same time, I was overcome with heartbreaking despair...

While I knew Horacio had suffered a severe head injury, I wasn’t aware that Auntie and Raven could no longer see him in their visions. I couldn’t stop the tears that fell, both for Horacio, who I already cared for a great deal, and Auntie, who along with Luna Aruna, had quickly become two of the three most important people in my life—people I loved with all my heart.

Knowing Auntie was devastated and suffering while fighting to keep Horacio alive crushed me...a feeling that was intensified greatly as Jade dropped another bombshell—one that would leave Maxim utterly stunned and overcome with despair and guilt...

While implemented by Igor, Sahar, and the Blood Horizons, the cold-blooded attack was conceived—by Oralia...

***********

MAXIM

“There is no easy way to tell you this, Maxim, but please—please know that we are all here to support you and we all love and care for you more than you could possibly know—I love you more than you could ever imagine. I already know what you are going to say, so I will tell you up front, you couldn’t be more wrong.”

My eyes narrowing in concern, I slowly exhaled out, “Wrong about what, Jade?”

Biting her lip, Jade brokenly, but compassionately, drawled out, “Oralia—she—she devised the plan for the attack today, Maxim.”

Jade’s last words, delicately delivered with such empathy and love in her voice, continued to replay in my mind, the repeated echoing of the devastating truth maddening as anger and guilt consumed me...

My sister’s first words made sense now, and her instincts were correct as I dishearteningly languished, “So what happened today—it’s because of me—because of what I said to Oralia yesterday—because I left.”

Anabelle placed her hand on my knee, softly replying, “Even if you were still there, Maxim, I’m not sure that Oralia wouldn’t have come up with this plan. The Blood Horizons have aligned themselves with Igor—and Oralia is in love with him. You told me the first night we met that Igor had Oralia joining him in strategizing sessions with Luscious and Arturo because they thought so much alike and had already been discussing different ideas to strike against The Council.”

Jade’s expression was full of admiration as she peered over at Anabelle, but I still wasn’t convinced, “I know I said that Anabelle, but it doesn’t change the fact that the choice to do it now—the reason they were even in that clearing to begin with—was because of me. What everyone was put through today is because I left—because I betrayed Igor and Oralia.”

“The choice you made to leave those tunnels was the right choice, Maxim, for you, Anabelle, and Ursula,” Spiros emphatically stated, “You needed to get as far away from Igor and Oralia as you could. Igor is a dangerous man, even to those who think he is their ally. If you go against him in any way or fail to be of use to him, you are put in a perilous position. A life of fear and misery is no life for anyone to live.”

Spiros looked at the others, taking in a harsh breath before returning his attention to Anabelle and me, taking her in his arms as he hesitatingly continued, “Unfortunately, Igor proved that very point today. In the tunnels you escaped from.”

He paused, appearing to try to find the words as my mind raced trying to figure out what he was talking about. And then—it hit me. I didn’t want it to be true, but there was a sinking feeling in my stomach that told me who he was talking about as I inaudibly mouthed out, “Raphaela. Igor killed her, didn’t he? In retaliation for his failed plan.”

“N-No, he—he didn’t! Raphaela was Igor’s favorite! She was his companion until—” Anabelle frightfully exclaimed, snapping her head around to stare into Spiros’ saddened eyes, tears already streaming down her face as she cried out, “Spiros! Tell me Igor didn’t kill Raphaela—please! She—Raphaela was jaded and wrong, but she was still—she didn’t deserve that! She didn’t deserve to die!”

Spiros pulled Anabelle in his chest, his hands around her head, soothingly whispering in her ear as she broke down. I looked around at everyone else, their disheartened expressions telling me I was right as Jade took hold of my hand, tearfully mumbling out, “I’m so sorry, Maxim.”

“Like Spiros said, not even supposed allies are safe when it comes to Igor,” Zayden sadly reiterated, “And just like you made your choice, Maxim, Oralia made hers. I have to believe what Anabelle said is true—this plan of Oralia’s would have come into play at some point, especially since she is not only working side by side with Igor but is in love with him too.”

“Which means even she could be in danger if Oralia makes any misstep or becomes of no use to Igor, though after what she did today, I highly doubt will be the case,” I despairingly thought out loud, “And she is very much in love with him. And also very much the one thing I have never been—a true Blood Horizon at heart.”

I swallowed hard, trying to release the lump in my throat, before hoarsely murmuring, “I can’t help but still feel so responsible for all this. While I know now that we aren’t related, Oralia still raised me. For all intents and purposes, my mother perpetrated the attack today! How can I face everyone knowing that?”

Remi walked over, crouching down in front of Anabelle and me, her hands coming to rest on our legs as Anabelle remained wrapped up in Spiros’ loving and supportive embrace, “You and Anabelle are true Crescent Moons at heart. Like the Rogue Eight, it just took a while to find your way home. But here, we are all family. We stick together through thick and thin, supporting and protecting one another always. Which means there will be no judgement placed on you because we know who is truly to blame—Igor, Oralia, and the other Blood Horizons. So, all you and Anabelle need to worry about is telling us what you need to help get you through what happened today.”

“Remi’s right, little brother,” Zayn kindly concurred, “It took Red here a little while to get used to leaning on others for help. But know that whatever you and Anabelle need, you have strength and support in our family—always.”

Her head leaned against Spiros’ chest, Anabelle wiped away a few of her tears as she quietly replied, “Like you, I’m devastated at what everyone endured today, Maxim, especially Loa, Horacio, and Raphaela. But I also can’t help but feel grateful for our choice to leave because it brought us here to Crescent Moon.”

Turning to look once more at Jade, whose green eyes were filled with brimming tears, I tenderly replied, “I’m grateful too, Anabelle. I’ve found everything I’ve ever wanted in life—love, support, and family—right here at Crescent Moon.”

Oralia’s actions still weighing heavily on my heart, however, I desperately added, “But, somehow, we’ve got to figure out how to stop anyone else from paying the price for Igor’s vengeful wrath.”

***********

MAHAN

At Loa’s insistence, I took a quick shower to clean up after Luminara left, changing into a nice button-up navy shirt and black dress pants for our dinner to match with the beautiful navy-blue velvet dress my always stunning Songbird chose to wear for the occasion.

Exiting our bathroom, I quickly retrieved a box that was also of dark blue velvet from my nightstand before hurriedly heading towards the balcony—to find my Loa where I had left her only moments earlier—her head leaned back against the tall pillow Luminara and Anabelle had placed behind her with her eyes closed...

Setting the box down on the table to the side of the doorway, I stood completely stilled, taking in the her beauty—every stunning feature of the woman I had been in love with for over twenty-five years, despite her initial refusal of me. My love and adoration of Loa so deep, giving up on her was never an option for me. And although I moved on as our lives were led down different paths—opening up my heart again and enjoying many wonderful years with Irina, my second chance mate who I also loved with the greatest of passions and who bestowed the greatest gift in the birth of my Luminara—there was always a part of me that belonged to my beautiful, black-haired Songbird, even when I was led to believe that she was no longer on this earth...

Since the day Loa re-entered my life following Roman’s fall at Blood Horizon, I have thanked the Moon Goddess and fate for her return, grateful for our second chance—a chance to finally share our lives and our hearts—as one. My mind going back to the desperate run I made to reach her earlier, the fear and desperation returned, as well as the thoughts that relentlessly plagued me until I reached the clearing—I couldn’t lose Loa—not now. Not after waiting for so long to experience the love that we have always held in our hearts for one another. Not so soon after reconnecting—not ever. And yet, I did come so very close to losing Loa today. Closer than I wanted to think about. Closer than I could ever endure again...

Continuing to take in every glorious feature of my heart’s greatest desire, I couldn’t stop the heavy weight of burden that fell upon my shoulders as Tati came to mind. I have always loved the depth of both our conversations and close friendship. We were so similar, Tati and I—we were the same age, had the same love of knowledge and wisdom, the same philosophical views, the same fervent desire to use our talents for the greater good—and we both had been granted the same fortune when it came to matters of the heart. We had been gifted two incredible people to love—two mates that had fate sent us down different paths, we would have loved at the same time...

It was a rarity to be granted two mates at the same time, but while circumstances kept those relationships separate for us, our hearts were always connected to both of those who held a huge place in them, even from afar. But unlike my fortune today, Tati was dealing with the possibility of losing both the men—the mates—that she loved more than her own life. And like Loa, she could potentially lose Horacio too soon after they finally connected following their own twenty-five year plus long wait. A fact that was tearing me apart inside because I felt responsible for it. Because of my failure to stop Igor before now, I could potentially be destroying the life of one of my best friends that I love so very dearly...

Those distressing thoughts continued to plague me as I pushed myself forward towards Loa. Leaning down, I noticed the lightly applied makeup Anabelle had put in place to hide Loa’s paled skin from her traumatizing experience today, placing a soft kiss on her glossy pink lips as my heart overflowed with vast love for her. Loa’s eyelids slowly opened to find me staring directly into her exhausted brown eyes, smiling warmly at her, “Let’s forego dinner outside this evening, my love. I’ll carry you back in so you can rest comfortably in bed.”

“Nonsense,” Loa admiringly replied, “I was simply resting a little while you got cleaned up. I’ve kept the food warm. Besides, I need to eat, and the salmon not only smells delicious, but will be very beneficial to my healing process.”

Placing another tender kiss upon her lips, I grinned, “Fine, I will reluctantly agree to your request, especially as you have gone to all the trouble to serve my favorite dish, but we won’t make this a late night on the balcony like we typically enjoy. I’m afraid I will limit our time to simply enjoying a bite to eat this evening.”

Taking my seat beside her, I picked up Loa’s plate, placing some salmon, asparagus, and garlic roasted potatoes on it before setting it back down in front of her, lovingly complimenting, “You look beautiful this evening by the way. Anabelle created a lovely hairdo that fits perfectly with my favorite dress. I also see that you’re wearing a lovely shade of pink on your lips. You shouldn’t have gone to all this trouble, Loa, especially after what you endured today.”

“Thank you for your kind compliments,” Loa sincerely returned, “You look very handsome yourself tonight. I like it when our attire coordinates with one another. And I happen to embrace and cherish moments like these with you, Mahan, especially after today. Granted, I couldn’t have done it without our Luminara and sweet Anabelle’s help, but it was important to me not to forego our evening. I’m worried about you and hope to help find a way to ease at least a little of your distress.”

“Luminara’s little speech helped,” I kindly stated as I placed a piece of salmon on my plate, “But I’m afraid the injuries you suffered, and Horacio’s current state still weigh heavily on me, Loa. Tati has put her life on the line and saved us all from peril so many times, including her timely arrival today, stopping any further deadly ruination from occurring—but not before Horacio suffered a high price for the sacrifices he made not only for our Moon Stone warriors, but for our family. And in turn, Tati is now facing potentially losing him because of my failure to already have Igor immobilized and contained.”

Nodding, Loa quietly murmured, “And much like you and I, Horacio and Tati have been denied of one another for far too long because of choices made and circumstances dictated by fate.”

“Exactly,” I heavily exhaled out, setting my plate down and staring at it as I dispiritedly sighed, “Fate continues to be cruel to them both, especially Tatiana. I simply don’t understand it.”

“And as you both think so much alike, I’m sure Tati feels the same—and is very much blaming herself for Horacio’s grave condition,” Loa knowingly thought out loud, “Which is why we will be going to Crescent Moon tomorrow. Tati needs you, Mahan. There is a very special connection between you two. I think leaning on one another will help you both.”

“No, absolutely not! Tomorrow is way too soon for you for you to go anywhere, Loa,” I protectively returned, “Your condition is of greatest concern to me. You need to rest for a few days and be looked after closely to make sure there are no other adverse effects from your concussion.”

“I can rest there as much as I can here, Mahan,” Loa lovingly breathed out, “The condition of your mind is of great concern to me currently. At least agree to a short visit for me, please, so we can check on both Tati and Horacio. Plus, I would like to speak with Spiros and Maxim, who I am sure is also one who is casting blame on himself. I’ll stay in bed in our room in Aruna’s wing, if that will appease you, but we are going to Crescent Moon tomorrow.”