Chapter 124

Chapter 124

I had always had a strong connection to death, as it had always hovered around me. Death would torment me, whisper to me, and make unfulfilled promises.

I would have quietly given up on life if I had never met my partner, but now I was determined to live. I knew in my heart that this was how it was going to end, that death would claim me before I could live happily ever after, but I wasn't sure if it would be worthwhile.

It felt heavy, the darkness behind my eyelids, but I knew I was not going to wake up. Rather, I imagined his visage from recollection. When he believed we had won and didn't realize anything was wrong, he was grinning. This was also the last time I would see him.

He believed that now that the evil had been vanquished, we might at last lead the lives we had both long for.

He was unaware of the arrangement I had made with the moon's residing celestial body in order to rescue him. I was descended from the goddess who had infused magic into her creation, and I was the sacrifice.

My heart was undoubtedly shattering in the same way that Derrick was dragging me into his arms. It was as though, even in death, I could still feel the bonds that bound us as a couple. I could sense his despondency eroding him until self-loathing took its place. He detested the fact that I had chosen his life above mine, even though he knew he would have done the same for me.

My body felt as though it was in a transient condition, grazing the recollection of a dream, and the last thing I had seen was the expression on his face as I fell to the ground against him.

"Not all is as hopeless as it seems, my child." The identical voice that had uttered orders in my head resounded all around me.

My sight flitted across the vast void as my eyes opened to an empty room. In an environment like this, it felt so soft, and it was so simple to let go of life's cares.

"Who am I, and where are you?

"You are an intelligent woman, Kylie—who do you think I am?" Once more, the voice surrounded me as I stood there in the empty room.

"If you truly are the goddess of the moon, then take me back to my mate; he needs me." This time, there was silence, and it made me angry. "My apologies; why would I even expect you to do anything other than continue to be cruel to me?" With my heart still breaking from the knowledge that my fate was inevitable, I lash out.

"I got rid of your mother, didn't I?" She materialized before me now, adorned in a silk gown with sparkling diamonds. Her eyes were a penetrating grey, and her hair was white, as she gazed at me as though assessing the goodness of my soul.

"I am merciful, even to the most misguided." She traced her fingers over my cheeks, and I felt a profound calmness. "As a goddess, I don't usually regret my kindness, but I do regret giving your mother so many opportunities to turn around. She shouldn't have treated you and your brother the way that she did."

"Apologizing for not doing anything sooner doesn't change anything." She gave a sorrowful smile.

Since you have always been mortal, you are not as knowledgeable about the workings of the universe as I am. Mother Nature is cyclical in her behavior; she takes, gives, and resolves herself. That's what occurred when my first children were massacred; I wept for them, but the land grew, healed, and gave birth to you. The only two of my offspring who still carry my blood in their veins are; you and your brother." She reached for my chin and began to wipe away the tears.

What connection does this have to me? Was I merely a sick test that you employed for opulent entertainment purposes?" She gave a headshake.

"You've had such a hard life, and I'm sorry that I could not help you any sooner, but I could only intervene when your mother's actions began to interfere with the intrinsic balance of the earth." She was trying to allay my worries like a woman who had never had to take care of a child before, treating me like a newborn having a tantrum.

"Maybe you couldn't help me then, but you can help me now." I kneeled down and begged, holding onto her hands. "Tell me the price I have to pay and let me go back to my mate." Her eyes brightened at my plight.

"My sweet child, you never left him." She released her hand from mine and motioned for me to come after her.

With purpose, she strode through the empty space, the cloud of smoke rising in front of her as her mind created an image.

"Look." Her order simply made me more desperate, based on what I witnessed.

Back on earth, instead of conversing with a goddess, Derrick cared for me while I lay unconscious in his bed. He was reading me a book while lying at my side with his back against his headboard. Despite his obvious fatigue and concern, he managed to conceal his emotions while remaining vigilant of my well-being.

"You had a cunning little soul; when you were born, I hand-picked the mates of all my wolves." Despite your small stature, you exuded immense strength and power, eager to be unleashed. Your mother kept you shattered so you would never realize your actual potential because she knew you were far more powerful than she could ever be." She let out a sigh. "I think I made a good choice by matching you with the king; he was never meant to save you—I already knew you were strong enough to do that on your own—Derrick was the only wolf I knew that would love you in the way that you deserved."

The moon goddess had saved him, despite the fact that he appeared so dejected.

And now all I wanted to do was return to him.