Page 128 of An Enigma for the Lycan Crown Prince
I gaze at her curiously. “You mean, you might want me to do certain things for you?”
“Yes, you are part deity, after all. I will never ask anything impossible of you, but I might need your opinion sometimes, or I might even need you to stay out of a certain conflict. I know this is a lot to ask from you, but rest assured, we will never abuse our connection to you, just like we know that you won't either.”
“It’s fine,” I reassure them. “I am aware I have a certain responsibility towards both worlds,” I add. “As long as they don’t collide with Elden’s or my family’s happiness, I will always help.”
“That is a very smart promise,” Selene says, tilting her head thoughtfully. “The intriguing part about you is that yourappearance is so innocent, yet your personality is cunning and very perceptive.”
“Is that bad?”
“No, it’s fantastic. And it’s going to take you far.”
The little child in me, who was called all kinds of names by other kids, feels like it heals a little by the goddess’s words. Nothing is wrong with me. She thinks the way I am is fine. I feel a well-known tug at my mind, an indication I am going to drift back soon. “I have so many more questions,” I admit.
“I know,” Selene says gently. “But you will need to save them for next time.”
Before I can leave though, Ersa hands me a beautiful flower crown. “Flowers are my love language,” she says. “And I know you have it too. Plants feel drawn to you. This flower crown will not wilt. You can use it for your Luna Ceremony or for your future wedding, or for whatever other reason.”
I press the item against my chest. “It’s beautiful,” I say. “Thank you so much.” I raise my arm slightly. “And thank you for the amulet.”
“I am looking forward to our next meeting,” the goddess says.
While I find myself drifting back to sleep, I can’t help but think how weird all of this is, not unpleasant, but so surreal.
forty-one
Birthday Surprises
*FLORA*
Iwake up to noises coming from downstairs. A glance at my watch tells me it’s around lunch, startling me fully awake. I slept so long! Goddess, I can’t believe it! I neatly place the flower crown in my wardrobe and hurry to get freshened up, and dress in a cute sunflower dress – one of the last dresses Grandma made for me before she passed away. Putting it on now feels as though part of her is still with me. I put my hand on my heart, feeling how the amulet around my wrist pulsates slightly. I am not alone. Grandma is not here anymore, but I want to believe that somewhere she is still with me, and that she would be relieved to see that I am surrounded by love. I hope it will giveher peace that her granddaughter has people she loves and who support her, and that she is not alone.
If I could see her for a moment, I would tell her that I am okay, that I will manage somehow and that I am thankful for all she did for me. For a long while she was all the family I had, and she did everything to fulfill the role.
I only go for light makeup and keep my hair open, just brushing through it. Once I look presentable, I hurry down the stairs.
“She is here!” someone yells and tosses confetti towards me.
“Happy birthday!” someone else calls out.
I blink my surprise away, finally realizing that my friends are here. The living room has been decorated with blingy lights and balloons, the table is set, and there is a second one with gifts on it. At the terrace I can spot Geneva and Samuel, having some coffee with each other. Vincent and Calvin are both on a ladder, fixing the last balloons to a cute archway that has happy birthday written over it.
“You guys,” I mutter.
“Are you surprised?” Elden asks hopefully, as he pushes past the others and walks towards me. He is wearing an apron with flour sprinkled all over it, but I happily hug him.
“Very!” I exclaim. “I can’t believe you tricked me into sleeping in.”
“There wasn’t much tricking to do,” he grins.
I poke his chest playfully, laughing when he sweeps me up and twirls me around.
“Hey, Casanova,” Jace calls from the kitchen. “If you don’t come to help, I will burn the meatloaf.”
“You really are hopeless,” Elden calls back. “All you have to do is watch the oven!” He turns to me. “Sorry, I need to help that loser in the kitchen.”
“Words I never thought I’d hear,” Jace grins.
“Don’t worry,” Janice says, and grabs my hand. “Flora and I have plenty to talk about, right?” she asks while looking at my neck.
