Bonus Chapter 12
***Poppy***
“Try this one, Pumpkin,” Luna Allie says, handing me a sleek white pearl dress with a neckline that feels daring just to look at. But perfect for my small breasts. “Elegant and just a touch angelic. It’s perfect for you.”
The velvet fabric of the gown Allie hands me is cool against my palms. Azrael’s mother’s closet room smells faintly of rosewater and polished wood, the scent swirling around me as I stand up from the velvet stool near the gilded mirror.
I’m already wearing a cute diamond tiara that the Luna insisted on, claiming it was mandatory to wear something sparkly. I glance at the dress, then back at her. She’s already into her dress, a shimmering deep green one. “Why is everyone in the pack so worked up about this festival?”
“Fifteen years ago, I asked Vi the same thing.” Allie pauses with a smile, her perfectly manicured hands adjusting the straps of her dress.
Oh my Spirits, she’s so pretty! I was so surprised when I saw her in this snug little dress earlier! I hadn’t even noticed before because she’d been wearing such flowy, loose things that hid her sweet little secret. But now wearing this dress, her belly is just precious—all round and perfect under that fitted fabric!
When I asked earlier, she giggled and told me she’s already four months along, just two more months until the puppy arrives! I feel like the world’s silliest goose for not noticing sooner, but then she told me Alpha Ethan gave her a magic ring that blocks the puppy’s scent and heartbeat. She used to wear it when she went to Summerville and last time she traveled, she forgot to take it off, so that’s why Azzy and Lily hadn’t noticed before. Allie said that Alpha Ethan is very territorial with her. I couldn’t agree more.
I know all about the Black Moon. It’s a rare event when the Moon disappears entirely—a special kind of New Moon. It only happens under certain conditions, like when there are two New Moons in one month or four in a season. It’s powerful and not for just us witches.
Mom always said it was a time of change, renewal, and celestial energy. Perfect time to ask and pray for the Moon Goddess.
Mom taught me about the Moon’s phases as if they were bedtime stories. Since I was a child, she always educated me with the maximum the witches’ knowledge she could, but she failed to tell me many things that she had done that I now condemn…
But I don’t get why everyone is so excited about this festival in particular.
I hold the white dress against myself in front of the mirror. It’s so stunning!
“Well, the Black Moon Festival is part of who the members are here,” she says, walking over to the vanity to clip on a pair of cute diamond earrings. I blink at her reflection in the mirror. “That’s why this place is called Blackmoon. You won’t see the Moon itself, I know you already know about it, but you will feel the subtle energy radiating from the Black Moon. The New Moon is different from the Full Moon, and it’s not just because of the moonlight. The Blackmoon’s members used this time to appreciate its beauty, its mystery, and its energy that the Moon Goddess blesses us with. It’s part of who they are and who I am, I come to accept.”
“I know it is powerful. And that the Moon’s energy can affect everything—tides, witches, the soil. Mama used to tell me all about the Moon’s phases,” I confess. “And I’ve always been fascinated since I was a little girl that even though I can’t see the Black Moon, I can *feel* it.”
She nods excitedly, her blond curls bouncing. “Well, the first part of the festival is about community, life-changing desires, stargazing, and planting intentions—literally and figuratively.”
I open a big smile. “Really? Planting?”
“Yes, planting,” she says. “It’s one of my favorite parts. I feel so connected with the universe. Those vegetables we plant above ground always flourish under the Black Moon’s energy.”
“Mama always said the Black Moon’s phase was supposed to pray and recognize the Moon Goddess’s power.”
Allie nods. “Also, the Black Moon coincides with meteor showers, and with no Moonlight to block out the stars, it will be the perfect time for stargazing!”
“That does sound pretty!” I say, slipping on the shoes.
I glance at her as she adjusts my earrings.
I catch sight of myself in the mirror. A small smile tugs at my lips. The dress fits like a dream, and for a moment, I forget that I’m mad at my two fated mates.
“I feel so pretty,” I say, turning back to her.
Luna Allie grins, grabbing her clutch. “You *are* pretty, Pumpkin. I’m really glad you are here.”
My smile fades.
I’ve never been in Blackmoon before, but the weight of all the hate waiting for me makes it feel like a place I should’ve been running from my whole life.
But then, nothing happened as I expected. I never imagined that I would meet a friend of Pete’s here and that he would offer me his home to spend the night. And that he would be the fated mate of the same shewolf who almost smothered me when I was just a child.
Cedar gave me Lily’s bedroom to sleep in, and I felt safer because I could smell her scent there in her sheets.
Violet’s been avoiding me, though, which is fine by me since I’m scared of her. But in the morning, right after I woke up, she told me that Lily had slept in the treehouse.
Even though Lily knew I was there… she hadn’t come to me.
Violet didn’t say anything else to me so I was more than happy when Allie came to get me and assured me that Azrael wouldn’t be in the packhouse.
I want them both. I miss them, I barely slept last night, but I’m upset with both of them. I’m mad. The things they told each other, the things *Lily* told me... hurt me.
“Hey, Pumpkin. What’s wrong?”
My eyes fill with tears when I see her meadow green gaze. Her eyes look so much like her son’s that it hurts. I miss him. I miss Azzy.
“I’m scared,” I find myself admitting. “I’m scared that I won’t fit in the pack. I’m...” I trail off, avoiding her bright gaze. “Please don’t be mad at me, but I’m scared of Alpha Ethan. He’s my mate’s father. Just like I’m scared of Violet, who’s my other mate’s mother... I’m scared that we’ll keep fighting like this, no matter how much time passes. I don’t like it, I just want everything to be okay, I hate fighting,” I sniff.
She cups my face gently. “Everything *is* going to be okay. Do you trust me?” she asks with a wise knowing look in her eyes that I don’t dare doubt. It’s so certain.
I sniff again, nodding. “But I don’t see how.” My voice is small.
“Well, I *see* it. And everything’s going to change with this festival. Believe me.”
“How?”
Allie gives me a knowing smile. “You’ll understand when you get there. Now, let’s go, Pumpkin.”
Even though I’m confused, I follow her.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
