Chapter 54

“It’s been you the entire time,” Ansel said, standing. “You were pretending to be Karin and my daughter.”

She teetered her head back and forth. “Yes, and no. Every conversation has with Jemma is one that shows the personality she will have. She will be happy, bubbly, funny, and powerful. With a combination of your and Karin’s powers, she will definitely be a force to be reckoned with.”

“By God,” Ansel muttered, then quickly gave her an apologetic look. “Slip of the tongue. This is a lot to take in at once.”

“It’s all semantics, anyway. I’m as real as the earth, the stars and the sky as are many other things.” She stuck out her hand that still glowed. “Selene. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”

Ansel hesitantly shook Selene’s hand. “If you don’t mind me asking, what does Selene mean?”

She shrugged. “Moon Goddess.” Unable to hold it in, Ansel chuckled, and she laughed. “What? Moon Goddess just sounds so formal, while Selene has a bit of flair.”

“That it does,” Ansel replied, folding his arms over his chest. “It really is an honor, but I need to know what this is all about. I doubt you spend this amount of time on non-immortals, no matter who they are.”

“Brave of you to speak to an immortal like that who has powers you couldn’t fathom,” she said. “Another one of the many characteristics you possess that made me choose you.” Wrapping her arm in his, the two continued to walk. “You want to an answer, alright, that’s fair. Jemma is not a figment of your and Karin’s imagination per se, but two sides of the same coin. Karin has dreams of Jemma because of who she is as a person. A dreamer: someone who has always gone after the things that others wouldn’t dare to do. Few can say they would have the courage to go after a career as a ballet dancer.” She smiled. “Or fall in love with a prince before even knowing they were mated, all with the hope that maybe he could feel the same. You two are in so many ways alike, but in more you are polar opposites. Ansel, even in your dreams, you have always been practical. Therefore, I stand with you right now, speaking to you with such straightforwardness while still showing you what could be depending on your choices.”

“I never thought about it like that.”

“Of course not because it isn’t practical. Until recently, you’ve always expected the connection of being fated mates with Karin would be enough. To you, it made logical sense; we’re fated mates, so we’re going to be together, but I think you’re learning that just because it follows the formula in your mind doesn’t always mean how it will go. That is why you’re suited for one another. You keep her grounded while she makes you feel you can fly.” Her face grew serious. “I made Karin’s dreams the way they are because I need her to continue to have hopes of reaching the dreams of your love that others tell her is impossible.”

“Who told her we were impossible?” Ansel asked, stopping in his tracks.

Selene’s eyes twinkled. “Perhaps you should consider who would be best suited for that question. You asked it multiple times to the wrong people instead of the one who has the horrid answer.” She stopped and faced him. “Ansel, I summoned you here because I needed to warn you about the dangers of Karin losing hope…if she stops dreaming of a future of happiness with you two. If she goes back to where she was before you opened your heart to her again. Because if she stops, then she will give up and you two will run out of time.”

Ansel shook his head. “Out of time for what?”

“Come on, Ansel, you’re intelligent. You know the answer, do not insult me.

His face paled, and he almost stumbled. “Of Jemma being born.”

She nodded. “I know you love Jemma already; I can feel it. What I have shown you is the child that I will send to you. Great things are in store for you two if you keep others from getting in the way. Protect Karin. She’s more vulnerable than she looks. You are fated mates for a reason, and I selected you over your brother because you will change not only Blue Moon, but the world. Karin and you belong together, and the birth of Jemma will shake the foundation that everything was built on. This is much more than a title or producing an heir. It’s about exposing lies and getting to the root of what you were always destined to have.”

“I-I don’t know what I’m supposed to do. How can I ensure things go right?”

“You can’t, but things will always work out how they must. Make a choice. I came to you because you’ve always had the right. Even when you were sick, you ruled everything around you, and because of that, you need to be in Karin’s shoes. You need to know what it feels like to keep the truth from the one you love, not because you want to, but because you must. Only then, when you fully understand, will everything be revealed.”

“Can you at least tell me how I can get to that point?”

“Keep doing what you’ve been doing. You’ve been unlearning and questioning everything around you. The things you thought made you the man you are, are proving to be only a fraction of who you’ve really grown to be. Be wary of those you distrust. I’ve given you keen intuition, so those you distrust it’s with reason. Something is coming, Second Prince, unlike anything you imagine, and these things will test the very nature of your soul.” The light around Selene grew brighter, causing Ansel to cover his eyes. “It’s time for you to wake up now.”

Ansel waved his hands. “Wait! I have so many more questions. How will I know what to do?”

Their surroundings shook, and her voice boomed as if she was a multiple people instead of one. “You will know because you are of me, and I will know when you and Karin are in need for the same reason. When you need me, you will dream, and I will be there.” Ansel felt his body grow lighter as Selene slowly disappeared. She raised her hand and an image of Karin and Jemma in royal crowns appeared in front of him. They smile brightly with a love in their eyes that landed in his heart. “Be careful of your decisions, Second Prince,” Selene said, making them disappear. “Make your choices wisely. If you don’t, you make keep the crown, but you will lose your heart.”

Ansel stirred from his sleep and immediately reached out for Karin. Pulling her into his arms, she moved slightly, and then he heard her sob. He started to wake her, but her whisper almost stopped his heart.

“I’m sorry…” she said through tears in her sleep. “I’m so sorry for hurting you. Leaving you broke my heart beyond repair. Please…please forgive me.”

He held her tighter, and her sobs slowly turned to a light snore. Moving her hair, he looked at her tear-streaked face. “Little Wolf,” he murmured, his own eyes burning. “What really happened to you?”