Flora’s P.O.V
“And how, may I ask, did you come to know of the Lunar Maidens?”
Malachi’s voice hadn’t changed but his eyes were hard and focused only on me, causing me to squirm. The shove of power that had receded a minute ago was now back in full force, shoving against my senses like an avalanche.
“Some warriors from a pack told around about them.” I told Malachi through gritted teeth as the power shoved harder, making my head ache. “They turned rogue after a few days and their pack relocated. So some members joined our pack.”
“And these members,” he frowned. “How many people did they tell?”
“No one.” I brought my hands to my temples as the headache turned to pain. “Just me. I haven’t told anyone else.”
The power disappeared just as suddenly as it had appeared and I was left gasping for breath and feeling like my head was about to explode.
“Forgive me, healer.” Malachi’s voice was soft as he knelt in front of me. “But the Moon Maidens are kept a secret for a reason. Not everyone can be made aware of their existence.”
Malachi placed one hand on my head and the headache disappeared, only to be left with a feeling of peace and serenity. I felt a sense of deep rooted relief, like I haven’t felt for months. It made me want to stay like this forever.
But Malachi removed his had all too soon and even though I didn’t feel the serenity anymore, the sense of peace remained.
How did he do that? How did he make me feel like this?
“But…then, how did the warriors come to know of them?” I asked when he helped me to my feet.
“Every warrior in Lindersay is aware of them.” Malachi gave me a small smile. “They reside in the Temple of the Moon and they live in seclusion, dedicating their whole life to the worship of the Moon Goddess. Soldiers cannot begin their training without an initiation from them. They live a life of sacrifice, leaving all worldly belongings and emotions behind. So, I would advise you to think carefully before choosing this life.”
“My mind is set.” I told him firmly. “I want to be a Lunar Maiden no matter the sacrifices.”
“But is your heart ready?” Malachi gave me a small smile. “The Moon Goddess does not like to share, little healer. And if you chose to become her Lunar Maiden, you must only have her in your heart.”
I swallowed nervously and looked at the floor. “My heart has been shattered, Alpha. And I don’t think broken vessels can hold anything. But I wish to serve the Goddess with my whole heart. It’s the only thing I can do now. ”
Malachi was silent for a while before I heard his footsteps approaching me. With a gentle hand under my chin, he lifted my face up to meet his eyes. From this close, he looked even more beautiful. His skin was flawless and his eyes were a blue so vivid, it was like staring at the depths of the ocean.
“People with broken hearts often seek refuge in the arms of the Goddess.” He gave me a beautiful smile. “Grief makes everyone turn towards finding solace and no one gives better solace than the Moon Goddess.”
He let go of me and stepped back, his expression serious. “Is this is your final choice? If it is, then we shall commence the ceremony immediately, for tomorrow is a full moon. But you must not have any doubts in your mind. So, choose wisely.”
Doubts? How could I not have doubts?
What will happen if I wanted to leave? What if I found my mate? Are Lunar Maidens even allowed to have mates? What about my family? What about Riley? Will I ever be able to see them again?
And Clay…
No! I couldn’t dare to face him or Dorothy ever again. They deserved to be happy. They were mates, chosen to spend the rest of their lives together by the Moon Goddess herself. They must be madly in love with each other by now; it was inevitable.
“It’s my final choice.” I told Malachi firmly, looking him dead in the eyes, despite the submissive side of me making it difficult to maintain eye contact. “I want to become a Lunar Maiden.”
Malachi’s painfully clear blue eyes bore into mine with an intensity that had a chill run down my spine. I tried to maintain eye contact for as long as possible but I had to give up after only a few seconds because my eyes were hurting and my wolf started to whine.
“Very well,” he said at last. “You will become a Lunar Maiden tomorrow at the time the moon is highest in the sky. For now, you will be escorted to your room to rest and your cleansing ceremony will commence soon.”
I bowed low to the Alpha of Lindersay just as the doors opened to two women in white robes. They entered only after Malachi’s command and then they came forwards towards me.
“Come, we’re here to escort you,” one of the women told me with a polite smile. She had a dark mocha skin tone and her curly black hair was cut short in a bob close to her skull.
“You’ve had a long journey. You should rest now.” The other woman said. She looked to be of Asian ancestry with a light skin tone and straight dark hair that reached the middle of her back.
Both their white robes were the same style and they looked elegant. Moreover, there was a sense of peace to them, like they were perfectly happy the way they were. My told me I could trust them, so I went with them without any questions.
After exiting the study, the women escorted me down several other hallways to an upper floor of the castle where several other doors were present with similar looking carvings. I was starting to realize that the only way to remember the hallways was by memorizing the carvings on the doors.
These doors were less elaborate and more on the simpler side and the Asian woman opened one door for me and pointed for me to enter.
“You can rest for the time being.” Spoke the mocha coloured woman. “We’ll come to escort you to the bathing pools when it is time to begin your cleansing for the ceremony.”
They were about to leave but I stopped them. “Excuse me…what happens during the ceremony for becoming a…?” I hesitated to name the Lunar Maidens since it obviously looked like a secret topic.
“Lunar Maiden?” The Asian woman smiled a polite smile. “You’ll be told once we start the cleansing.”
“Thank you.”
I entered the room only after the women had left and locked the door behind me. I didn’t look at the room or the surroundings I was in.
The only thing I could do was fall to the floor in exhaustion as I finally let the tears fall from my eyes.
This was it. This was finally the end…and a new beginning, without Clay.