Dark Moon Rising

Chapter Thirteen: Revolution Coming

Eyrx's Point of View

I desired her when I first saw her in the forest. However, that initial attraction paled compared to my current feelings for her. While others had ignited carnal desires within me, Crypta fueled those flames unlike anyone else. Her response to my voice scorched my soul, leaving me yearning for her, which thrilled and scared me.

Observing her attempt to lure me closer by blindfolding herself was entertaining. Yet, I knew I could outmaneuver her unless I chose otherwise. Referring to the vampire-werewolf hybrid by her given name seemed to unsettle her, leveling our playing field. The impact Crypta had on me was entirely new, leaving me uncertain if it was positive or negative.

It all became overwhelming. The emotions stirred by Crypta's actions as she straddled me, the longing for her, and the closeness - it was all too much. Unable to handle it, I lifted her gently and placed her back on the log before swiftly retreating from her presence.

I would never allow myself to harm her. It had been years since I struggled with my thirst for blood and hunger for flesh. Aralia somehow taught me to control those urges. I wouldn't allow myself to regress. Not now. Not ever. If I acted on my urges, it would be because I chose to, not because I lost control.

I longed for someone to confide in, but discussing this with Aralia didn't feel right. Would Wesley be a suitable person to talk to? I don't know if he could serve as a father figure. Aralia would have to disclose to Wesley that she had a son for me to seek his guidance in my human form. I was curious to know if she was prepared for that revelation.

When I was young, Silas Stone was a person I looked up to and wished could have been a fatherly figure in my life. Witnessing his gentle and kind demeanor, even during his struggle with illness, left a lasting impression on me. After being cured by Luna Jo, he often explored the forest in the form of his magnificent wolf, Amarok. Silas's wisdom and patience were qualities I deeply respected, leading me to wonder about the guidance he would offer in my present circumstances.

Seeking solace, I wandered through the forest, reminiscing about the sensation of Crypta's touch and the fiery gaze in her eyes that remained vivid in my thoughts. Eager to confront my emotions directly, I tried to locate her, but my quest was abruptly halted. When I returned to the clearing where Crypta and I had met before, I was greeted by the Moon Goddess.

"Crypta tempted you, pushing your boundaries, didn't she?" Selene asked.

"I need someone to confide in about my emotions. It's more than just a simple attraction; it's deeper. I'm struggling to comprehend it," I confessed to the Moon Goddess.

"There is an individual who will soon be joining Crypta. It's becoming increasingly risky for him to maintain his current role. He possesses an unparalleled understanding of Crypta in both of her identities. I have deliberately kept Crypta and Argus unaware of the mate bonds they possess with others. My intention was for them to focus on the ongoing mission and to begin to recover from the childhood trauma they endured," Selene revealed.

“Crypta, as usual, has complicated things, though, with her current actions,” the Moon Goddess sighed in frustration.

"Argus is the person she converses with over the phone. Although she hasn't mentioned him by name, based on your description, it's clear it's him. What is his connection to her?" I asked.

"Argus is her handler and adopted brother. Like Crypta, he carries a lot of darkness due to his upbringing. The decisions they were forced to make have deeply affected them in ways they may not yet realize. Crypta finds you intriguing, but she can sometimes be reckless and indifferent. I cautioned her against playing with your feelings. She finds you captivating and views you as a challenge," the Moon Goddess explained.

"Was I simply a challenge to her? Did she not feel the same connection as I did when we kissed?" I asked.

"Crypta deeply experienced that connection, which greatly affected her. When she returned home, she attempted to satisfy the yearning her actions had stirred. Adrian and Crypta are now close friends who have become lovers," Selene warned.

I found this discovery unsettling, but not to the extent I had expected. I had accepted that Adrian could provide Crypta with something I couldn't offer. But was he her mate? Or was I?

"Does Adrian have a mate?" I inquired of the Moon Goddess.

"One day, he will. However, like Crypta and Argus, I require Adrian to concentrate on our mission of defeating the Collective," Selene sighed, her eyes softening with empathy.

"They will be blessed with mates when the time comes," she reassured me.

"Your need to put distance between yourself and Crypta today was because of me. Eyrx, you can act on your urges, but when something becomes too much for you, you must remove yourself from a situation. This protects you and whoever you may be feeling intense feelings toward. I understand your wish to avoid causing harm to any members of the Dark Moon pack. I aim to support you in upholding that," revealed the Moon Goddess.

"What could occur if Crypta and I became close? Suppose I followed my longing to be with her, and it was consensual?" I inquired.

"I'm unsure. Eyrx, there has never been a soul like you before. You shouldn't be as gentle and compassionate as you are with the inner beast. I can ask for guidance on your behalf from a higher authority. Luna Bethany and her spectral warriors were revived by someone greater than me. Anything is feasible for the Author of Life," Selene reassured me.

"I want her," I confessed.

"I understand your feelings, but remember, Crypta is not an object to possess. Be cautious with your desires, Eyrx," Selene warned before vanishing.

Crypta would inevitably come looking for me again. I knew that she was also attracted to me. While Selene mentioned that Crypta did not have a mate bond, she never mentioned anything about me. I somehow sensed that the mark bestowed upon me by the Moon Goddess, allowing me access to the Dark Moon pack, meant that I was also someone's mate. The question was, who?