Page 121 of Moonlit Fate

Eldan leaned forward, his expression taut. “You’re not making much sense. Start from the beginning.”

I halted mid-pace, hoping to steady the whirlwind of thoughts. “After we completed the ritual, I felt fine. But later, a strange sensation spread through my body, like electricity building up under my skin. Then I found new markings around my birthmark.”

I tugged at my collar to show them. The intricate lines and swirls on my collarbone pulsed and throbbed as if they had a heartbeat of their own.

“What started as a tingling has escalated into waves of pain. When Ilaric and I went to the seer for guidance. He was as cryptic as ever, but when he saw the markings, he became agitated, kept talking about too much power and the balance being off. I got the impression he doesn’t think it can be fixed.”

“Then last night...” Memories of my visit with my mother brought a rush of emotions, and I had to fight back my tears. I cleared my throat. “Last night, my mother’s spirit was in my room. She repeated some of the seer’s concerns, saying the balance is off and that it will get worse before it gets better.”

Eldan’s gaze lifted to mine. “Your mother? Mona?”

“Yes, Eldan. Mona,” I snapped, then sighed. “I’m sorry, my patience is frayed. Yes, my mother’s spirit. She visited with me last night.”

“Must’ve been pretty special seeing your mom?” Eldan asked carefully.

“It was amazing,” I said with a smile. “Her warning about the balance was just as vague as the seer’s, though.” I gave Ilaric a pointed look before he could say anything. “I know, I know.Nobody can give me a straight answer for fear of altering fate. She said my strength lies in wielding both light and dark to protect those I love and lead. To stop fighting the darkness and embrace it. But I don’t know what she means. I have to consider everything in order to protect the pack. Protect them from what?” I shrugged helplessly. “How can I ensure their safety when I don’t know what to expect?”

Ilaric rubbed his chin with his thumb and forefinger. “Unseen threats are the most difficult to prepare for. We’ll need a strategy.”

I forced my pacing to slow, rubbing my arms to hasten the wave of pain to its crescendo. Then it would fade to a more manageable background throbbing, but I knew relief was temporary, and it would begin its relentless cycle again. “We have to think about stability. For all of us, for more than just the pack, even.”

Seren folded her arms. “You do know your well-being is central to that, don’t you?”

I nodded reluctantly. “I know. I just don’t want to worry everyone over nothing when there’s so much more to deal with right now.”

“It’s not nothing,” Eldan interjected softly. “It’s part of being a pack. We look out for each other.”

“Right,” Ilaric added. “We face it together. So, let’s start by figuring out what this build-up of magic means for you, and for us.”

“Agreed,” Seren said. “We can’t afford any weak links.”

“None of us are weak links,” I hissed before I could catch myself. The pain was wearing down my patience, making my temper flare at the slightest provocation. I rubbed my hands over my face. “Sorry. It’s a lot to handle.”

“Understandable,” Ilaric said. “Let’s focus on solutions. Now, what else did your mother say?”

“Only that I should be careful and vigilant. Which isn’t much to go on.”

My skin throbbed relentlessly, as if the pain was trying to claw its way out. I resumed my pacing. The stone walls seemed to close in on me, making me feel trapped.

Ilaric caught my eye. “What’s wrong? You’re not yourself.”

“Nothing. Just this buzzing... it’s uncomfortable. Painful.”

“Is it getting worse?” His tone sharpened, a note of authority breaking through that I wasn’t used to.

I wanted to shrug it off and change the topic. “Look, we should focus on?—”

“No,” Ilaric said. “You need to be honest about what’s happening. It matters.”

I clenched my fists, the energy pulsing stronger. “I’ll manage. We have bigger issues to address.”

Seren leaned forward. “You’re blind if you think your well-being doesn’t affect us all. Our world. The pack.”

The truth in her words stung. My pacing quickened, back and forth, faster and faster. The others watched, their faces a mix of frustration and worry. Their genuine concern made me realize that as alpha, I didn’t have to bear the burdens alone. Hadn’t my mother told me to depend on others? This was my opportunity to follow her advice.

The energy surged, and my breath hitched. Suddenly, Eldan in front of me, gripping my arms.

“Look at me,” he commanded softly.

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