Chapter 14: The Whole Truth is Revealed

“Is this a dream?” I ask out loud.

“You’re not asleep,” she answers. “But you’re not awake either. We don’t have much time, sweetheart. It takes a lot of energy and power to summon someone from the spirit world, but only the Celestial heir has that kind of power.”

I gasp. “Ari did this for me?”

She laughs lightly. “Oh, my dear girl, no,” she says. “I was speaking of you.”

I gape at her. “I’m not a Celestial heir, Mama. I’m only a Celestial.”

“Your father only gave you the information I gave him,” Mama says quietly. “Let me set the record straight, once and for all. Come and sit with me.” She plops down on the grass, crossing her legs and leaning back with her palms in the dirt. I sit across from her with my legs crossed like a pretzel. She raises her face towards the sky and briefly closes her eyes, breathing in and out for a few seconds. “I was a healer in the Great War,” she begins. “I was not a warrior at all. But my soulmate was. He was magnificent. He was born into a family of farmers. But growing up in that life helped him be strong and he was recruited to the human side of the war. I was a healer for that side. We met during one of the more horrific battles. He was injured and I healed him. It wasn’t love at first sight. He was cocky and arrogant and I did what I could to avoid him. But he wouldn’t leave me alone. As the war continued, I noticed his attitude began changing. He wanted the war to end. So he came up with an insane plan to kill the Mad King. I thought he was nuts. But when he left Earth, it was the first time I felt anything but annoyance toward him. I was suddenly terrified I’d never see him again. I was overjoyed when he came back to Earth as a hero. He came back with the head of the Mad King and declared himself to be the new Celestial King. I was so proud of him.”

“Wait,” I interrupt abruptly. “Are you saying your soulmate was the Celestial King?”

“He was,” Mama says quietly. “But I kept it from him. I grew up in a family who was on the wrong side of the war, and they resented me for not joining them. I had a lot of childhood trauma and issues I had to work through, and I didn’t think I was worthy enough for my soulmate. I didn’t think I deserved to be the queen and stand at his side. So, I kept it a secret and I stayed away from him. I watched him from a distance. I was proud of him when he took in those two boys, Arisen and Azriel. I knew the boys were special and would grow into amazing men one day. My soulmate made the right decision to name Arisen his heir. I was saddened that he would never have an heir by blood. But I knew Arisen would make a good king. Then one day, my soulmate caught me by the beach. No one was around and I thought I was alone. I didn’t sense him until he touched me. Sparks literally flew and it was over. He knew instantly as soon as our skin touched. I told him everything and shared my fears with him. After telling him my fears, he did the unthinkable. He gave up everything for me. We ran away. We told no one and moved to the Mainland. As the King, my soulmate was able to cast a glamour on us so we could live human lives. We lived happily for many years. Then I got pregnant with twins. You and Saige. We were overjoyed that we would be parents. But when he disappeared, I was devastated. When our soul bond snapped, telling me he died, it almost killed me. But I had to keep living for you two. When I met your father, I thought we could be a real family. He already had a few boys of his own who were older than you and Saige. It would be the perfect disguise for us. He agreed after I told him everything. I grew to love him even though it would never be the same as my love for my soulmate. But it kept you safe. You both grew up into strong, beautiful people.”

I can barely hear my thoughts over the rapid beating of my heart. I’m so tired of hearing new information. “Are you telling me that I’m a full-blood Celestial and the blood daughter of the Celestial King?” I demand.

“Yes,” Mama states calmly. “You’re the Celestial Heir, Samara. You’re the only one who can stop the coming war and bring peace to all people.”