Chapter 70
For weeks, I had been silently honing my newfound magic, seeking guidance from the moon goddess in the secrecy of my dreams. The lessons had been a mesmerizing journey, each night unveiling new facets of the ethereal power that coursed through my veins.
It was astounding to me that I had gone most of my life without even knowing what, or who, I truly was. This journey I had been on had been the most fulfilling thing I’d ever experienced.
Tonight, as I stood once more in the moonlit glade within my dreams, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. We’d learned recently that everything I had learned from the moon goddess, every spell I cast, somehow found its way back to Amy.
It was as if a shadowy presence lurked at the fringes of my mind, ready to snatch away the knowledge I sought to harness. However, she was getting her information, it was closer to us than we had thought.
The moon goddess, her radiant form bathed in silvery light, sensed my disquiet. "What troubles you, my child?"
I sighed, my voice a whisper in the ethereal stillness. "There’s an enemy among us. Somehow, everything I learn, every spell I practice, Amy ends up finding out about it. It's as if she's watching me, even in my dreams."
The moon goddess's eyes held a knowing depth, as if she saw beyond the veil of my thoughts. "Dark magic leaves traces, imprints on the very fabric of existence. It is possible that Amy's connection to you allows her to sense these disturbances. Let me see if I can describe this connection a bit better."
She seemed to take a deep breath within the glowing aura surrounding her, “In the intricate web of magic, there’s a connection to everything around a practitioner. Someone, like Amy who uses dark magic and one wielding its light counterpart, like you, can create a clandestine link of immense power, a two-way mirror through which secrets and intentions flow like an invisible river.
For the one using dark magic, it is akin to casting an unseen, insidious thread, one that reaches out like a shadowy tendril, seeking a foothold within the consciousness of the light magic user. It is an intrusion, a breach of boundaries, as their intentions and thoughts become subtly intertwined with those of their unsuspecting target.
Through this connection, the dark magic user can eavesdrop on the thoughts and emotions of the light magic user, gaining insight into their plans, desires, and vulnerabilities. It is a voyeuristic window into their innermost self, a constant surveillance of their every move, like a silent predator stalking its prey.
Conversely, the light magic user may occasionally sense the intrusion, an eerie feeling of being watched or a nagging awareness of a presence that should not be there, possible whispers in the darkness. They might experience fleeting glimpses of the dark magic user's intentions, like distorted reflections in a murky pool.
This connection is a dangerous dance, a battle of wills and intentions. The dark magic user seeks to manipulate, to extract information and sow discord, while the light magic user must remain vigilant, shielding their thoughts and intentions from prying eyes.
In the realm of magic, where light and darkness coexist, this connection is a fragile balance, a reflection of the eternal struggle between opposing forces. It is a reminder that even in the world of the supernatural, secrets are never truly safe, and the boundaries between allies and adversaries can blur like the shifting shadows of twilight.”
A shiver ran down my spine, it was all beginning to make sense. "But how do I protect myself from her?"
The moon goddess's voice held a soothing quality. "Trust in the strength of your own spirit, Beryl. Shield your thoughts and intentions and remember that the light within you is a beacon against the darkness."
I nodded, absorbing her wisdom, determined to find a way to safeguard my newfound magic.
The nights of secret lessons had taken a toll on my mates, Nicholas, Brian, and Cheney. They longed for the nights when I would join them in our shared bed, a closeness that had become a cherished routine.
One evening, as we prepared for sleep, Cheney's voice broke the silence. "Beryl, we miss you in our bed."
I glanced at him, my heart aching at the longing in his eyes. "I miss you too," I replied softly.
Brian's arm snaked around my waist, one hand stroking my swollen belly, pulling me close. "It's just not the same without you."
Nicholas, the most closed off of the three, surprised me by adding, "We feel incomplete when you're not with us."
I sighed, knowing that I couldn't keep my secret from them any longer. "I've been learning magic from the moon goddess. It's to protect our pack and our child."
Their eyes widened in surprise, a mixture of emotions playing across their faces. Cheney spoke first, his voice a blend of concern and understanding. "Why didn't you tell us?"
Tears welled in my eyes as I tried to explain, knowing that keeping this from them would be an issue among us. "I didn't want to worry you. And every time I learned something, Amy seemed to find out. I didn't want her to use you against me. I was just trying to protect us all, but it doesn’t seem to have worked out that way."
Brian's expression softened, and he kissed my forehead. "We appreciate that, but we're your mates, Beryl. We should share everything, the good and the bad. We must work together to protect each other.”
Nicholas nodded in agreement. "We're a team, and we'll face whatever comes our way together."
I felt a surge of love for them, grateful for their unwavering support. "I promise, from now on, we'll face everything together. Maybe now that you know, I can continue my sleep training here, with you by my side. I have so much to tell you about what I’ve learned so far. I think I’ve figured out how Amy is staying one step ahead of us."
This garnered a large, hopeful smile from each of my mates. We embraced and as I began to tell them what I had learned, I felt the intimate connection between us that I had missed so much over the past few weeks.
As they held me close, our bond felt stronger than ever. In the embrace of my mates, I knew that together, we would overcome the challenges that lay ahead and protect our pack from the darkness that threatened us.
