Chapter 127: A Visit from the Moon Goddess
The witches slept under the cool, silent of the night. Reika lay on her couch with soft blankets. The only thoughts in her head was Lleus, Viktor, Alfonso, and the journey to find the spider rose. She began feeling dizzy and afterwards she fell asleep.
And that was when the dream began.
Reika stood in an exquisite meadow filled by silvery moonlight. Warm and sweetly fragrant, scents of jasmine and flowers filled the air in bloom. A figure came from the fog.
She shone as a figure, her flowing silver hair fell down like waterfalls of light. Her eyes were older than time itself.
"Moon Goddess," Reika breathed, falling to her knees in respect.
She smiled sweetly, "Arise, Reika. there is no need for such formalities. I have come to guide you."
Reika rose in disbelief. "Guide me? I do not understand."
With a soft sigh, there was slightest tinge of sadness across the Moon Goddess's face, "Your heart is pure, and so is your love for Lleus. Yet, this journey you're embarking on, it's much more than resurrecting him. You are bound for something great, a war that will change the course of your race's history. But you are not ready."
The expression on Reika's face darkened, she furrowed her brow in confusion. "Unprepared? I've fought battles and had my share of failures. I outlived a betrayal. What more?
"You are strong, fearless, and loyal, But these will not work out to defeat Araidne. Araidne is a destroyer, backed up by being of darkness. To defeat her, you will have to unlock your hidden power from yourself."
Reika breath was caught in her throat. "What potential?"
She took one step closer, and suddenly the presence of the Moon Goddess seemed overwhelming. "You are more than a werewolf, Reika. Inside you runs the blood of witches. Powers beyond what you had ever seen lie within you but they are dormant since you have never embraced them."
Reika's eyes widened in a disbelief. "Witch blood? But my mother-my father-they were werewolves. How can I-?"
The Moon Goddess lifted her hand and with it, her voice hushed her. "Your lineage is complicated, and within your bloodline, there are secrets even you have yet to know. You must learn to walk with both sides of who you are, werewolf and witch, if you are to have any hope of standing a chance against Araidne. It is for this reason that I have brought you to this coven. These witches will help you harness your powers and prepare you for what lies ahead."
As the goddess finished speaking, Reika had heard her words with fire in her eyes. "How can I defeat a monster like Araidne? She is so strong."
The Moon Goddess leaned forward, "You will not fight alone, Reika. Those who do love you will always be at your side. Believe in them and believe in yourself, hear these words, use your time here well. Waste not a moment.".
Her voice began to fade and she then vanished into the light. "Remember, Reika-you were chosen for a reason. The strength you seek, it is inside you. You have only to embrace it."
Reika sprang awake, her heart pounding in her chest. The room was dark, but the embers in the hearth were faintly glowing and on the walls dancing the shadows. This dream seemed to weigh upon her, each breath ragged.
She sat up and ran a hand through her tangled hair. "The Moon Goddess," she whispered, shaking. "She came to me.
Scarce another second taken and she had thrown on her cloak, slipped into the chill of night headed for Elira's quarters. The coolness of the night, wrapped in her skin bit at her as she crossed into the other woman's quarters. She had to share this vision.
Reika burst into the hut of Elira, startling the head witch, who sat cross-legged in meditation by the fire. Elira turned to her, sharp eyes narrowing with concern. "Reika? What's wrong?"
Kael had sat in the corner, sharpening his blade; now he was instantly up. "Reika, what's wrong? You gone pale.
Reika took a deep breath as her hands started to shake. "I dreamt-no, had a vision that it was the Moon Goddess. She appeared to me and said I am not ready to stand up against Araidne, nor is my blood that of a witch. She told me to harness my powers if I am to conquer her."
Elira's eyes widened, her expression a mix of surprise and understanding. 'The Moon Goddess herself appeared to you? That is no small matter, Reika. She rarely intervenes directly."
Kael stepped forward, his brow furrowed. 'Witch blood? But you're a werewolf. How is that possible?"
"I don't know," Reika confessed, her voice shaking. "But she said my bloodline carries secrets. Besides, she said the witches here were supposed to get me ready for it.
Elira nodded, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. "It all makes sense now; when you came, I had strong energy within you yet couldn't place it. Indeed, if you are to carry witch blood in your veins, then the Moon Goddess spoke right-you still have untapped potential."
Kael laid a reassuring hand on Reika's shoulder. "If the Moon Goddess believes in you, then I do too. We'll figure this out together, Reika. Whatever it takes."
Reika looked up at him, shining her eyes in gratitude. "Thank you, Kael. I don't know what I'd do without you."
Instantly to her feet sprang Elira, a nature born to command the general eye in whatsoever chamber she appeared. "If we shall unlock your powers, we must begin at once. The process is indeed a different, yet I really believe you are strong enough to bear it."
Reika squared her shoulders, the spark of determination alight in her eyes. "Whatever it takes, I won't let Araidne win-I will not let that happen."
As night wore on, plans came-and with them, Elira outlined the plan for everyone.
There was hope now, but Reika had to embrace herself and though the path ahead was hazy, at least she would not be walking it alone.