Chapter 65 A LUNA’S RESOLVE
AMBER’S POV
“I'm going to the Moonfall Ridge,” Derek says, moving hurriedly across the room while I watch him. “Something urgent came up,” he continues, before going out of the room and shutting the door behind him.
I heard about Moonfall Ridge during one of my lessons with Clarissa, but I didn't really pay attention then. I knew if I asked Derek, he'd probably insult me, so I made a mental note to ask Hera or Fauna about it later.
After Derek’s rushed exit, I made my way to the garden to check out the flowers, then went around the pack to note how they're faring. After I move around the pack, I start heading back to the pack house, and I am almost at the entrance when I spot Fauna coming from my right. I wait a bit for her to catch up.
“Luna, how're you doing today?” She asks softly.
“I'm fine, Fauna,” I reply Where are you coming from?
“I needed some herbs, Luna, so I went to get some.” She says, smiling up at me, and I nod in response.
“Fauna, where is the Moonfall Ridge?” I ask quietly. “Is it a different pack?”
“No, Luna, it's a place where trade between the four packs takes place. The four Alphas also meet there whenever there are issues concerning the four packs.” She answers.
“Oh,” I mutter under my breath, realizing that I still have a lot to learn.
We keep walking until we get to the Fauna chambers. I have gotten quite used to her company, and I visit her from time to time. A familiar queasy feeling sets upon me as soon as I enter her chamber. I suspect my pregnancy, but it only happens anytime I enter Fauna’s room.
“Let me make you some herbs, Luna,” Fauna says softly, and I watch her throw some things into the cauldron, which is filled with boiling water, before coming over to stand in front of me. She stares at me for a while before looking away. “The pups are fine, Luna,” she says, delighted
“I still want to know how your eyes work as an X-ray, Fauna,” I say sincerely, and she chuckles. Fauna returns her attention to what she was cooking, and I allow my thoughts drift off.
I imagine Derek finally accepting me for who I am, not for my family. I imagine what kind of shape his mark would be. Every mate had a different shape, and I'd previously seen some lovely ones. My mother’s own is a beautiful dove passing through a ring of clouds. I imagine how Damien feels at the moment.
It was my fault that he got sent away. All because I couldn't control my own feelings. I wonder what would happen if he ever forgave me and if he ever came back.
A soft tap on my shoulder immediately pulls me out of my thoughts. “Luna, the herb is ready,” Fauna says sweetly, holding out the cup to me. I catch a whiff of the smell and I wretch, wanting to puke out everything I ate that morning.
I hold my nose with my hand, and in one gulp, I swallow everything. “That's the worst one yet,” I grimaced, gulping down the cup of water Fauna offered me.
Fauna laughs at this and goes back to stirring the broth in her cauldron. We talked for a while until I decided to return to my room. I step out of Fauna's room, clutching the herbs she had forced me to take delicately in my hands.
I send for Hera on my way back to my room, and after a while, the knock on my door indicates that it's her. Enter, I say. And the door opens wide enough for her to slip in.
“You called for me, Luna,” she says softly.
“I want my food served to my room today,” I reply.
“Okay, Luna, she says, bowing slightly before turning to leave. After she leaves, I open the satchel of herbs Fauna had given me and inhaled their faint, calming scent. My hands instinctively moved up and rubbed my belly.
Fauna said the pups are fine, and that delighted me. I was going to make sure no harm came to my babies. Even if their father is cold and distant, I would still protect them till my death.
As night fell, my food was delivered to my room as instructed, and I ate slowly, savoring its flavors. After eating, I walked to the window, looking out at the stars, and for a moment, I wondered what Derek might be doing.
“I have to say strong, “I whisper to myself. “For the pups,” I say before going back to lie down on the bed. My hand reaches out to Derek’s side of the bed, and it is cold, which makes my wolf whine at the absence of our mate beside us. For the last time, I rubbed my hand over my belly, feeling the gentle heartbeats of my babies and silently promising always to protect them.
THE EDGE OF TRUST