Chapter 255
Chapter 255
Conrad POV
I watch as Lewana seems to fade from the event. At first, I thought she was just tired, but when she didn't respond to me, I knew something was wrong. I thought she was staring out at the crowd, but then realised her gaze was fixed solely on the moon.
"Moonlight. Speak to me, Moonlight. What's wrong? You're scaring me".
She didn't register my voice or my touch. She just kept staring.
"Something is happening".
As soon as the words left her lips, a force radiated from her stronger than any aura, sending me flying 6 feet onto my back. Her arms flew out wide as she started to glow as Serena does. The crowd started screaming and whimpering as they ducked for cover.
As soon as the force started to subside, I opened my eyes and slowly reached out for my mate. She turned and looked at me with glowing eyes and spoke in an echoing, soothing voice that was not her own.
"My son, I'm so proud of you".
It took me a second to realise I recognized the voice before I spoke with a shake in my voice.
"Moon Goddess".
She smiles at me, and even though it is Lewana's face, she feels very different. She takes my hand, helps me up, and pulls me into a hug. She tries to hold me tight before she realises Lewana's pregnant belly is in the way.
She lets out a small giggle as she looks down at her belly and rubs it gently. "I've missed this feeling".
She closes her eyes and seems to be savoring the moment of feeling life inside her. The small kicks of life letting her know they are there and hopefully thriving.
She whispers so only I can hear the lives inside. "I'm going to enjoy watching you grow up, little ones".
She turns back to me before asking a question. "Do you understand how bonds work, my Conrad?"
I'm flustered for a moment, feeling like I am being quizzed by a teacher. "Errmm.... yes. All werewolves' bonds are formed through soul links. The greater the tether to the soul, the greater the link".
She gently grazes my cheek with her hand. "So smart. You are right that all bonds flow through links. But you are the link. They flow from you. Only through your soul can they be connected and guided".
She gives me a minute to process what she says when I suddenly understand her true meaning.
"Werewolves were never cursed. Fated mate stopped because they Royal Bloodline rejected the bond, meaning no one else could have one".
Her smile widens. "And now that all wolves have accepted my gift as their Luna Queen .... ".
She turned to the audience of stunned faces and took my hand. As soon as she does, I can feel Jace like I never have before. I can feel our soul as it starts to glow in our chest, and watch in awe as the tethers that bind me to everyone start to glow and flow as light towards others.
Most of the pack is linked with thin white bonds that flow as if smoke is filtering past. My link to Liam and Mary is blue. Family bonds. Strong and vibrant. As soon as I turn to Lewana, a large red bond, thick as rope, surges from my chest and wraps around both of us, joining to hers.
I have to fight the urge to pull her into my arms and kiss her as she is still possessed by the Moon Goddess. I get distracted when I see red sparks flickering in the crowd.
I follow them and watch as a red rope starts to form around Ewan and Lady Darlina.
The Moon Goddess places her hand to her chest. "Another soul has found its match".
Darlina burst out crying, and Ewan started screaming with delight and picked her up by her waist to spin her around. At least the bond between them makes more sense. Ewan was always more connected to Lewana through his own devotion to her. It must have made his instincts for the bond stronger.
I can see others look around the pack and wonder if they will be fated, but I know they won't. At least that will change for future generations now.
"I have one final task to attend to before I leave this realm". The Moon Goddess searches the crowd until she finds the face she is looking for. "Mary, come to me".
Even under the low lighting, I can see the colour drain from her face, and her knees nearly give out. Arthur is right next to her and holds her up as she guides her forward. He lets go of her hand as she takes the last few shaky steps forward and then bows deeply.
"Mary. You have served the Order of Light well and kept your vows all these years. You have guided my gift, protected my son, and served me diligently your entire life. In a world where the night has been silent of the singing howls for centuries, the lone wolf keeping vigil will echo for all to hear. I'm anointing you as the full moon High Priestess. Restart the Order of Light, to have them ready for my next gift".
She pressed her thumb against Mary's forehead, leaving a glowing mark of a full moon. Mary's shoulder starts to shake as she is unable to hold back her tears. Arthur is by her side in seconds, holding her, and she falls into his arms.
With a final look, the Moon Goddess looks back at the moon, closes her eyes, and leaves in a ray of Moonlight.
Lewana starts to fall backwards, and I sprint forward to catch her.
I cup her face gently and try to get her to focus. "Lewana. I need you to talk to me so I know it's you and that you're OK. Come on baby please talk to me".
Her eyes eventually come into focus on my face. I can't help myself and pull her to me for a deep kiss.
She is absolutely drained and struggles to stand. I pick her up and carry her back to our room. She is asleep in my arms before we even make it back, and I gently take off her shoes, make her comfortable, and tuck her in.
Before I go to bed, I look at the moon one more time and copy the prayer pose I had seen Mary do one hundred times before, but have never done myself.
"Thank you for my gift, Grandmother".