CHAPTER NINETY NINE
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CHAPTER NINETY NINE
Talia’s POV
When I opened my eyes, I was surrounded by darkness.
I floated in an empty void where the onlypany I had was silence and fractured memories. I called out to the void, but no one responded. Had I died?
Then, a memory tore through me. The rogues’ hands had been rough against my skin. Their ws were tearing at my dress while Viki watched with delight. I remembered the one that sank his ws into me, relishing in my scream. His eyes glowed with hunger and his breath was hot on my face.
I felt as if I was being tortured all over again. The sound of ripping cloth and the echo of Viki’s cruelughter repeated until I thought I would go mad. Fear gripped me so tight that I was choking on it.
Then, suddenly, the pain and the fear vanished. But, I still floated in darkness. This had to be death. Perhaps this was best. Yet, the thought of never seeing anyone again brought tears to my eyes.
I thought of my father’s sharp andmanding voice that was filled with love when he spoke to me. I thought of Solon and his protectiveness. Then, I thought of De’sughter. And then I finally thought of my wolf, who was now lost to me.
I covered my face as I cried. “I miss you,” I whispered. “I am going to miss all of you.”
‘I am here.’
The voice caused my head to snap up as I turned in circles. I knew that voice. It was my wolf. Then, I felt her presence. It was weak, but it was there.
“Where are you? What happened to you? I am so sorry,” I cried. “I failed you. You were hurt because of me. If I had been stronger, you wouldn’t have…”
‘Do not say that,’ she interrupted gently. ‘This was not your fault. I was wounded, and I need time to recover. I will fight to return to you.’
Then, I felt something brush up against my leg. I looked down to see a ck wolf with purple eyes staring back up at me. I dropped down and wrapped my arms around her neck. She leaned into my hug.
“Promise me,” I whispered. “Promise you wille back.”
‘I promise,’ she said, her voice firmer now. ‘I will fight toe back. And so must you.’
The darkness shifted then and began breaking apart with threads of light. My wolf disappeared in the darkness. I reached for her, not ready for her to leave. But, a bright light made me wince. Then, it eased into a soft glow that spread before me, filling the void with warmth.
And in that glow, a woman appeared. She wore a flowing dress the color of sunrise,
“Mother?”
“Yes, my darling. You have grown up. I am so proud of you,” she said, floating to me. Her face was the same as I remembered. She opened her arms, and I copsed into them.
“Am I dead?” I cried into her shoulder. “Please tell me I’m not dead. I am not ready.”
Her hand stroked my hair, soothing me in the way that I remembered. “Not yet, my daughter. It is not your time yet.”
CHAPTER NINETY NINE
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“I messed up everything, Mom. I lost my fated mate. I lost my wolf,” I muttered. “I am a failure.”
My mother pulled back and cupped my face. “Oh, my dear pup. You are not a failure.” She ced a kiss on my forehead. “You are a strong Luna and will be an even stronger Alpha Queen.”
“I don’t know. I don’t feel like it,” I pouted.
“Do you doubt the Moon Goddess?” my mother asked and I shook my head. “The Moon Goddess doesn’t make mistakes. She has chosen you for something bigger. You have a mission that you mustplete.”
“What? What mission?” I asked.
“That is all I can tell you, my darling. You must be brave and take control of your fate,” my mother replied. “You are stronger than you know.”
“Please tell me. I don’t know what to do,” I pleaded.
“Your mate will help and walk the path with you,” my mother finally said.
“My mate?” I repeated, confused.
She nodded, but her form was already fading. “Be brave, my darling, and always know that I am with you.”
“Wait! Mom!” I screamed, reaching for her. “Who is he? Tell me!”
But she vanished, leaving only the lingering glow.
What did she mean by my mate?
I thought of Jason, but he couldn’t be the one she was talking about. Jason betrayed me and the fated mate bond. I doubted the Moon Goddess would tie me back to him. He could not be the one my mother spoke of.
Did I have a second chance mate that I haven’t met yet?
Then, another thought came to my mind: Nn.
The memory of him on the full moon night returned. In my fevered state while in heat, had I not called him my mate? Could it be true?
“No, couldn’t be,” I whispered, yet doubt gnawed at me.
Another voice brought me out of my thoughts.
“Talia, my girl, please open your eyes.”
It was my father’s voice. His deep,manding voice was filled with desperation that made my heart ache.
Then, Solon’s voice rang out, “Please wake up, Talia, Don’t leave us.”
“I’m trying!” I yelled as I tried to follow the sound of their voices. “Please keep talking!”
But the voices faded, leaving me alone again.
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