Moonshadow

POV: Alexandra

I pressed a hand to my chest, as if I could somehow calm the erratic beating of my heart. I’d spent so much time convincing myself that this marriage was nothing more than an accidental marriage that I certainly didn’t want. I’d told myself that I didn’t need to feel anything for Garrett other than respect and cooperation. That whatever bonds formed between us would be ones of loyalty and duty, not… this.

But the truth was staring me in the face now, stark and unrelenting. The truth was that somewhere along the way, Garrett had stopped being just the man I’d married on accident. He’d become something more—something I couldn’t ignore.

The realization crashed into me like a brutal punch to the gut, knocking the breath from my lungs. The world seemed to sway under my feet as the stark truth settled in my heart: I was irrevocably falling for him—perhaps I already had. A visceral shudder of fear coursed through me, prickling my skin with cold dread. The jealousy that had simmered beneath the surface now boiled over, scorching all rational thoughts away and shining a glaring, unforgiving light on my emotions.

My heart thrummed erratically, a wild thing trapped in the cage of my ribs, as a fierce jealousy ignited within, burning away the remnants of denial. Each flickering torch along the path seemed to mock my turmoil, casting elongated shadows that danced mockingly around me.

How would I ever face Lucien now, armed with this tumultuous confession of my heart? And worse, how could I harbor love for two souls at once, entangling me in an impossible labyrinth of emotion?

I felt Garrett's warm hand on my shoulder. It was grounding, a gentle but firm reminder of the present as he spun me around. The sudden motion brought me face to face with him, his cinnamon eyes filled with concern and a hint of alarm. "Hey, is everything alright? You look like you've seen a ghost," he said, his voice soft but edged with worry.

His familiar scent—sandalwood, his favorite cologne—enveloped me, pulling me further back from the precipice of my own spiraling thoughts. Under the soft glow of the dining room’s antique sconces, his face was illuminated, highlighting the sincere furrows of his brow and the slight downturn of his mouth, waiting for an answer.

I found myself momentarily lost, staring into his eyes, those anchors in the tumultuous sea of my emotions. A wave of vulnerability washed over me, the weight of my revelations threatening to spill forth. I swallowed hard, the words catching in my throat as I wrestled with the impulse to confess everything—the confusion, the fear, the impossible love that tugged at my heartstrings, pulling me in directions I dared not admit.

"Garrett," I began, my voice barely a whisper, betraying the chaos hidden behind my calm exterior. "I... I'm just feeling a bit overwhelmed. It's nothing for you to worry about." I forced a smile, hoping to dispel his concerns, even as my heart ached with the deceit.

He studied me for a moment longer, his gaze piercing yet protective, and then slowly, he nodded. “It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, sweetheart. You are, after all, taking on the biggest responsibility of your life. Just know that I am here for you and I will always be whether you want me to be or not.” He pulled me into a gentle embrace, his arms a fortress around me, and I allowed myself to rest there, in the eye of my emotional storm. I gently said, “I think I will always want you around, Garrett. You seem to be my anchor in this crazy world now and I don’t know what I would do without you.”

He kissed the top of my head, a silent vow, his hands rubbing comforting circles on my back. "You'll never have to find out," he said, his voice a soft but firm declaration. "We'll get through this together and come out stronger for it as always." I nodded, “Yeah I somehow think that’s going to be true.”

As I stepped back from Garrett's embrace, my gaze drifted over to Jack, who stood a respectful distance away. His patience was palpable, a silent strength as he waited for me to gather myself amidst the emotional whirlwind. His eyes met mine, a flicker of readiness in them, signaling he was prepared to follow through on whatever decision I made next.

"I guess for now, we will have to wait to find the lycan castle then... or come up with a clever solution. I think I have an idea," I said, the words forming more confidently as the thought solidified in my mind.

Jack's posture shifted, alert and attentive. "What are you thinking?" he asked, his voice a mixture of curiosity and caution.

Garrett, still close by, looked between us, his expression one of support mixed with curiosity. He knew the stakes as well as any of us, perhaps even more so given that this was really his kingdom and I was just ruling it for now.

I drew in a slow, deep breath, letting it settle my nerves, and met their gazes with renewed determination. “We know two critical things,” I began, feeling the weight of my words and the gravity of what was at stake. “We know roughly where the castle is—its location hidden, only to be revealed by some ability that has yet to manifest itself in Garrett. We also know it isn’t a good idea to meddle with the natural manifestations of abilities in Garrett but what if we don’t need Garrett to do that at all? After all, his powers are unpredictable, a mixed bag, and we don’t even know if this particular ability will ever come.”

Garrett's jaw tightened, betraying a flicker of frustration. His hands rested at his sides, fingers twitching as if they were eager to grasp at some solution just beyond reach.

I continued, “But what if we don’t need to rely on Garrett at all? What if the answer lies somewhere else?”

Jack frowned, his confusion plain. “What do you mean? What else is there?”

A sly smile tugged at the corners of my lips, a flicker of hope sparking within me. “Resources,” I said simply, glancing between them. “I have... connections, let's say. My soul parents and the many deities from the Heavenly Realm. One of them must know how to lift this veil.”

The room seemed to grow still, the weight of my words sinking in. Jack tilted his head, skepticism flickering in his eyes. “Heavenly deities? Do you really think they’ll help?”

“I don’t think,” I said, my voice steady, conviction burning in my chest. “I know.”

Garrett’s gaze softened slightly, the doubt in his eyes mingling with something deeper—faith. He looked at me, not just as a ruler, but as someone who could change their fate.

“We’ll figure this out,” I promised, my voice unwavering. “I won’t let us fail.”

I glanced up, my voice soft but urgent. “Apollo? I need you.”

The familiar shimmering yellow orb swirled in the air before me, expanding and twisting until it solidified into the towering figure of my soul father, Apollo. His presence, always commanding, now seemed even more immense as he stood beside Garrett, who for once looked almost small in comparison.

He glanced down at Garrett with an approving grin, his voice booming like a crack of thunder in a summer storm. “Now, this,” he said, clapping Garrett’s broad shoulder, “is a man I always thought you should marry, my girl. Strong, handsome, tough— a warrior and a king.”

I let out a sigh, exasperation tugging at my patience. “Apollo,” I said, my tone both familiar and firm, “I didn’t call you here to discuss my marriage.”

Apollo’s smile didn’t falter, but there was a glimmer of understanding in his eyes. “So, what is it, then? What could possibly be more important than your love life?”

I straightened, my resolve settling over me like armor. “I need your knowledge about the lycan castle.”

Apollo’s face shifted, seriousness settling in. He folded his arms over his broad chest, nodding slowly. “Ah, yes. They called it Moonshadow. It was a fortress like no other, standing tall and proud when the lycans ruled their lands. A glorious time for them... their people were strong, united.” His eyes softened momentarily, as if recalling a long-forgotten memory. “But why the sudden interest, my dear?”

A smile tugged at my lips as I met his gaze, feeling the connection of divine power coursing between us. “Surely, you know of my title now. I need to find Moonshadow and reveal it, but it’s hidden—obscured by powerful magic meant to protect it.”

I paused, watching the thoughtful flicker in Apollo’s eyes, then pressed on. “I figured if anyone could help me lift the veil, it would be either you or Ares. After all, it’s a fortress... and nothing hides from the light.”

Apollo's face turned more serious, his usual lighthearted demeanor dimming as the weight of the situation settled in. “Yes,” he began, his voice steady, “I believe every King and Queen should have their castle. But this magic, this barrier, is something beyond my immediate knowledge. I will need to confer with Almighty. He knows best how to handle matters like these.”

He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, his fingers moving across his sun-bronzed skin as if the answer might reveal itself from within. After a beat, he added, “You’re right, though. Ares would be the best to consult as well. War and fortresses—those are his domain. Let me summon him.”

I watched as Apollo made his way over to a wooden chair in the room. The groan of the chair’s legs as he lowered his immense frame sent a wave of concern through me. For a brief second, I imagined the chair splintering under the weight of the god, shards of wood scattering across the room.

He clasped his hands together, closing his eyes. His golden glow pulsed, and the air in the room felt charged, like the moment before a lightning strike. I could feel the power in his quiet prayer, the connection between realms that was so natural to him. After a few moments, Apollo’s eyes flicked open. He gave a small, satisfied nod.

“That should do it,” he said with a smile, leaning back slightly, the chair beneath him creaking in protest.

I exhaled slowly, the tension in the room almost tangible as we awaited Ares’ arrival. The air thickened, and with a low hum, a red orb materialized, growing larger and pulsating with energy before taking the shape of the equally imposing figure of Ares. He leaned against the far wall, his expression bored, eyes sharp.

“What the fuck do you want, Apollo? I don’t have all day,” Ares growled, his voice a rumble of impatience.

Apollo cleared his throat, casting a sidelong glance in my direction. “Is that any way to greet Alexandra?” His tone was firm but calm, as if this exchange was nothing new between them.

Ares rolled his eyes dramatically. “I know not of that name.”

Apollo sighed, exasperation lacing his voice. “Always so stubborn. Is that any way to greet Solamor?”

At the mention of my divine name, Ares’ entire demeanor shifted. His face lit up with a broad, genuine smile, and the air crackled with newfound energy. He took a step forward, his previous irritation dissolving. “Ah, Solamor,” he said, his voice softening as his gaze rested on me. “It has been far too long, little one. How have you been?”

A warmth filled me as I smiled back at him, memories of our past connection flaring to life. “I’ve been well enough, Ares. But we’re facing a bit of a dilemma, one that I hope you’ll help us solve. Do you know of Moonshadow?”

Ares chuckled, the sound rich and deep, like the roll of distant thunder. “Of course I know Moonshadow,” he said, his eyes glinting with recognition. “That ancient fortress has quite the reputation. I’m guessing you need to figure out how to uncover it?”

I nodded, my heart racing with the hope that this puzzle might finally have a solution. Ares stepped away from the wall, his massive arms folding across his chest as a confident smile spread across his face.

“Piece of cake,” he said, his voice brimming with certainty. “Let me show you how.”