Chapter 102 Bonds and a Boost pt 3
Seren
“You’re in my realm now, Duncan. And here, anything is possible.” The melodic voice spilled all around us, Selene’s playful giggles tinkling through the air. She appeared beside us, immediately reaching for me and pulling me into a hug.
“My dear, Seren. I’m so happy to see you doing better. And accepting your mate so fully,” she winked.
Once again, I cursed my pale skin. I could feel the blush creeping over my face.
“It’s nothing to be embarrassed about, my child. After all, I did pick the best specimen for you myself.”
Now Duncan’s face was red.
“Moon Goddess,” he said when he could finally speak. He started to kneel, but she stopped him with a gentle hand on his shoulder.
“No need for that, Duncan. As Seren can tell you, I’m not much for formalities. Call me Selene.” Her smile was beatific as she looked at him.
“Selene, why are we here?”
“Seren!” Duncan looked horrified. “You can’t talk to a goddess like that!”
Selene laughed, the sound bright and free. “Oh, it’s alright, Duncan. Seren’s a special one, and I really don’t mind. Besides, she has a point. Time is different here, so we need to make use of what we have.” She turned, gliding toward the waterfall in the distance. “Walk with me.”
We fell into step, Kara beside me and Conn beside Duncan, as we followed her directions. After a moment, she spoke.
“What you did at Blood Moon was difficult, Duncan, but it was necessary. Don’t doubt yourself. Those whom you executed were beyond redemption, and the land needed to be cleansed. You saved countless lives in the process.”
At her acknowledgment, a weight seemed to lift from Duncan’s shoulders. I could feel the relief flow through our bond even as he stood a little taller.
“You’ve made a good start on addressing the issues I discussed with Seren, but there is still a long way to go. You’ve already gotten a clue with your recent vision.”
“It doesn’t feel like there was much there at all, other than learning where James and Tobias ran off to.”
She inclined her head as she looked at him. “And yet, you hold more knowledge than you realize. I’m limited, as I’ve told Seren, in how much I can interfere, so I can only say this. Look to your elders. Now. For the real reason I’ve brought you here.” She spun, clapping her hands and causing silver sparks to fly into the night sky. “You’ve bonded! How exciting! Two of my very special blessed wolves, and you’ve completed your bond. That means that you both will gain an extra boost from me.”
“An extra boost?” I asked.
“Yes. When you need it most, Seren, a new individual power will unlock, unrelated to your elemental powers. And you, Duncan,” she said, coming forward to cradle his head in her hands, “your powers will expand. In addition to flashes of the past, I’m sharing my ability to see glimpses of the future.” Her hands glowed, energy settling softly around him. “I know your…less physical powers sometimes frustrate you. Unfortunately, that is their nature. That being said, I’ve given them to you for a purpose. Practice them the same way you practice your storm-wielding. Put the time into them, and you’ll see how they help. Do it quickly, as events are speeding towards you all.”
She released him, and he staggered back into Conn, who had stepped up behind him in anticipation. She turned to Kara and Conn now. “And you, my darling wolves. As if you needed anything additional.” Her smile was indulgent. “Nevertheless, it’s time to reward you for finally coming together.” She stepped up to them, placing a hand on each of their brows. There was a brief glow before she lifted them and stepped back. They had matching crescent moon symbols on their foreheads now. “Kara, go to that tree,” she said, pointing to an old oak in the distance. Kara disappeared, then reappeared where Selene indicated. “And Conn, try jumping to the top of that sycamore over there.” With one strong leap, he was balancing on the top branches.
They came back, Kara blinking to my side and Conn all but flying to Duncan, as Selene smiled at the four of us once more. “That’s all that I can do for you, I’m afraid, but I have faith in you. Now, it’s time to wake. Train hard, my children. And don’t let me down.”