Dark Moon Rising

Chapter Twenty-One: That's The Price You Pay

Aralia's Point of View

"I cautioned her about his real nature, emphasizing that he wasn't a werewolf, and advised her to be careful. Despite my warning that he could be dangerous, even though she is a vampire-werewolf hybrid, Crypta ignored it," Selene sighed.

"You weren't completely dishonest, but it was somewhat misleading," I frowned.

I knew that the lunar deity only concealed or revealed information when necessary. Once I understood her logic, everything made sense.

"When Crypta sees him, what do you think will happen?" I asked, bracing myself for the answer.

"I honestly don't know. The longer we can delay the inevitable, the better," Selene admitted.

I used to believe I would be thrilled if Eryx developed feelings for someone, particularly a potential partner. However, when it came to Crypta, I strongly desired to safeguard my son. While she possessed beauty and charm, she also emanated danger and chaos. I didn't trust her with my son's heart. I concurred with the Moon Goddess that it was necessary to take measures to delay their interaction for as much as we could.

"I'm glad you told Wesley. I was sure he, Jo, and Felix would accept Eyrx. Silas is a good person for Eyrx to trust," Selene remarked.

There was no awkwardness in Eyrx seeking advice from his mother's partner this way. The Moon Goddess and I shared a laugh as I recalled how Wesley was relieved that my son found it easier to talk to Silas about matters of the heart. My partner embraced and supported my son, and observing his bond with Jo reassured me that he would eventually see Eyrx as his child, too. Wesley had never replaced Lennox's role but had been a father figure in Jo's life. I was confident he would do the same for Eyrx in time.

Being Eyrx's mother was one of the greatest unexpected blessings of my life. I've never regretted rescuing Eyrx. He never would have survived, yet I still don't understand what he was doing in the forest alone.

It was clear that he had undergone some form of trauma from the marks he bore. I had told him that his transformation was a result of his mother's choices. Given the features Eyrx exhibited when he transformed, it was what I had come to believe. But I didn't know for sure. No one knew the truth except for the Moon Goddess. She refused to reveal it to me, only indicating that his mother made a wrong choice driven by greed and a misguided sense of love and duty. There was no mention of his father or any other details.

"We have little time left before Crypta's brother joins us. Lucius is delving into ghosts from his past, which will lead him to keep a closer eye on Argus, putting our informant at more risk. I've left it to the siblings to decide how they want to present themselves to the Dark Moon pack. However, time is running out for both of them," Selene shared.

"When should we involve Wesley in all of this?" I asked.

I didn't like withholding information from my partner, but the situation was critical. With so much on the line, proceeding with caution and careful consideration is crucial.

"Very soon, Aralia, I promise," vowed the Moon Goddess.

I nodded in response, feeling relieved.

The Hunter Foundation was just one of numerous organizations determined to eliminate everything they couldn't comprehend or tolerate. Such foolish souls these Hunters were. While money could purchase goods, it couldn't satisfy hunger or provide genuine peace. Their dark hearts were consumed by greed and hatred. We were all fashioned by one Creator, yet in their misguided arrogance, they chose to overlook this fact.

I was willing to do my part to protect those I guarded in the forest, including the werewolves. I knew the vampires were also willing to help in their way. However, the lack of trust between the werewolves and the vampires was a concern. New alliances and treaties must be formed soon because we all need each other. Victory had to be ours, or we would not survive.

I couldn't help but feel we lived in a time of legends. I wondered how our stories would be told in the ages to come.

"Thank you for having the forest dwellers keep an eye on Crypta while she communicates with Argus. Since Silas is spending time with Eyrx, he cannot watch over her as planned. However, considering what happened between them during their last encounter, I will continue to intervene to ensure they do not come across each other for a while," the Moon Goddess acknowledged.

"I've asked Luna Jo and Alpha Felix not to mention Eyrx to the other pack members just yet. I explained that I wanted Eyrx to become better acquainted with Wesley first. Though they have spent some time together, it's not as much as I had anticipated. Eyrx has been more engaged with Silas, which seems to have had a calming effect on him. I appreciate that," I shared with Selene.

"I've also requested that only Felix, Jo, Silas, Jacob, Clara, Damian, Rogue, Wesley, and I attend the upcoming intimate gathering to avoid overwhelming Eyrx. They plan to keep it private, with the dining room closed to the rest of the pack during the meal. I feel bad about intentionally excluding Adrian and Crypta, but given the current circumstances, I believed it was for the best," I sighed.

"I agree. Eyrx is aware of Adrian, while Adrian is unaware of him. Both have developed strong feelings for Crypta. We need to handle this situation delicately. Things will be chaotic when Argus arrives. We cannot afford any further complications," Selene concurred.

Crypta's Point of View

I went into the woods again, hoping to at least sense his presence. Nothing. Again. Not since we had kissed and I had been intimate with Adrian.

I sensed someone was watching over me, but it wasn't Eyrx; I could feel the distinction. Despite offering Argus various 'cover stories,' none seemed suitable.

"What if we just tell them the truth? By the time I arrive, secrecy might not be as crucial," suggested Argus.

The truth. My hidden identity would be exposed. This would require me to explain things to Rogue and Adrian. Would they comprehend or be upset that I had deceived them?

"The truth is easier but deadlier than a lie," I lamented.

"Maybe you should seek advice from Selene for guidance. I may not be familiar with these individuals, but I have faith in you, Seraphina," reassured my brother.

"I haven't spotted your friend Eyrx on the surveillance recently. Is everything alright?" asked Argus.

"What do you mean by 'alright'?" I sighed.

"Seems like someone's feeling frustrated," chuckled my brother.

"Not amusing," I grumbled.

He's not mistaken, scolded Nyx.

Not being helpful, I reprimanded my wolf.

"I haven't encountered him since we kissed," I confessed to my brother.

"How are things with Adrian?" Argus inquired.

"Nothing has transpired with him since then. I've been careful. He's keen, but I can't... it would no longer be casual for me, and I can't take that chance of needing to compel Adrian again," I explained.

"You have a situation to resolve, Seraphina," Argus stated firmly. "Please handle it before I arrive."