Dark Moon Rising

Chapter 39: Ghosts of the Past

Jo's Point of View

I was in shock after hearing that revelation. Looking at my friend more closely, I could see the resemblance to Felix. Eyrx continued to hold my hand while Selene spoke. The pain in his eyes tore at my soul. Violently losing a parent can shatter a person in ways that few understand. I did. The Hunter Foundation had killed both of my parents. However, my mother's life was restored as a gift from the Moon Goddess and a higher power. Given how Layla Agrona had perished and lived her life, I doubted that it would be possible for Eyrx's mother to return. But judging by his expression, he wouldn't have wanted her to.

"Thank you for this information, Selene. It puts into perspective why Argus, Elara, and Taryn must be the only ones to pass through the magical barrier. Jo and Eyrx, are you confident you will eliminate the other operatives and the pilot?" Wesley asked.

Was I? I hoped so. Wesley had been training me for weeks, and I was confident using my abilities. However, so much was at stake here, and our emotions ran high.

"We are. We've got this, right Jo?" Eyrx asked me, looking to me for reassurance.

I nodded, hoping that we, indeed, were.

"Jo, you should rest. You will need to be up early tomorrow for this. I'll walk you back to the pack house," Wesley offered, and I nodded in agreement.

I hugged Eyrx before leaving, hoping he would be okay with Aralia and the Moon Goddess.

Aralia's Point of View

Now I see why Selene chose not to reveal this to us. Knowing wouldn't have changed my commitment to Eryx or my determination to raise him as my own; if anything, it fueled my desire to shield him even more fiercely.

"After everything settles and Seraphina is ready to face me, I'd like to establish a connection with her. Even if it's just as friends, I want her to be a part of my life," my son expressed.

I agreed with him. There was no need to keep them apart any longer. Eryx understood why we had initially tried to keep them from forming a bond. In the end, he was an adult, and I shouldn't stand in the way of his pursuit of relationships, even if I didn't agree with them.

My son inquired, "You mentioned vampires have frequently searched the forest for something or someone in recent weeks. Could they be looking for Seraphina or Adrian?"

"I did consider that possibility, which is why our forest residents have been keeping a close watch on both of them while you were busy. It seems Lucius Void isn't the only one suddenly interested in reconnecting with a long-lost child," I replied.

"Are Seraphina and Adrian in danger due to being vampire-werewolf hybrids?" Eyrx questioned the Moon Goddess.

After a thoughtful pause, Selene responded, "I don't believe they are in danger now."

"I must go. Best of luck tomorrow," the Moon Goddess said before vanishing swiftly.

"I should also depart," I mentioned as I prepared to leave.

As I stood at the door, Eyrx called, "Mom?"

"I love you. Thank you for taking me in and raising me. You've given me a good life, and for that, I am grateful," my son mumbled.

I turned back and embraced him.

"I'm sorry that you had to hear such difficult truths today, but please remember that you have many people who care about you, Eyrx. We will always be here for you if you let us," I reassured him before walking away.

How is he? As I headed back home, Wesley linked with me to inquire about Eyrx.

Overwhelmed, but Eyrx will be fine. Tomorrow will provide an opportunity for him to release all the pent-up anger he's currently holding in, I replied.

I hate to ask but... my mate started, but I interrupted him.

Luna Jo will be fine. Eyrx will not allow anyone or anything to harm her or the babies, I sighed.

Thank you, Aralia, Wesley murmured through our connection.

Is Lennox on his way back with Luna Bethany, I inquired.

Yes, they are expected to arrive tomorrow evening, Wesley confirmed.

That's why he was so anxious. It wasn't just about Jo; it also involved her adoptive father. What had begun as a secret mission had transformed into an unexpected bond between Lennox Armstrong and my mate. Wesley's involvement in raising Jo added a unique depth to their relationship. My mate was concerned not only for the girl who, in all meaningful aspects, was his daughter but also for his old friend.

I'll be back shortly. I have to check in with the forest creatures to assess the vampire situation first, I linked my mate.

Wesley hesitated briefly before expressing his love for me and reminding me to stay safe. His instinct was to care for me, yet I had served as the forest guardian long before he became a pack warrior and trainer. I was grateful he was learning to trust me more, but we still had a long journey ahead.

In communicating with those I protected, I learned that the vampires were searching for Adrian. It was unclear what their motives were, but the creatures within my domain would continue to monitor the situation and report to me. There was no point in alerting Alpha Felix and Luna Jo about this yet, it would be a distraction when we needed to prepare ourselves for our fight with the Collective. That had to be our priority right now.

Unknown Point of View

"Your son has become a member of the Dark Moon pack," Xander informed me.

"Are Seraphina and Rogue with him?" I asked him.

"They are sharing a home that will soon be occupied by Argus Void and two additional operatives fleeing the Collective," Xander responded.

"We can not cross the magical barrier. Only werewolves or those blessed by the Moon Goddess may enter," Xander added.

"But you can help to protect them. Make sure that they have any assistance required to pass through. With the Collective focused on the Dark Moon pack, Adrian and his friends will need our help if they are to survive," I commanded.