Losing The Light Of The Moon

Poof! Mate!

Chapter Seven: Poof! Mate!

JACE

As we finished up dinner, Nicholas was looking for an opportunity to tell The Power of Three of his intended surprise while my aunts continued their praise…

“Well, I do have to say, children, you are all so extraordinary, even more than I ever imagined from our visions early on,” Persephone delightfully stated, “The deep connections you share together always left me awestruck, but after hearing how you all still came together so beautifully even before your memories were returned—it is truly amazing and makes my heart so happy!”

Reina smiled appreciatively, “Indeed, sister! Amazing doesn’t even begin to describe it! I do have to say, you guided and cared for these boys magnificently my dear friends and Madeline—well, you have proved beyond any shadow of doubt that you are indeed Ainar’s daughter. What you helped these girls brilliantly realize—identifying all your strengths and accomplish what you did as The Rogue Eight to execute while remaining hidden? Your parents would have been so proud of the strong young women you have become!”

“Thank you, Auntie Ro,” Madeline humbly replied as Nicholas leaned over to gently kiss the side of her head.

“Yes, we are fortunate to have such fortitude in our young, Reina,” Soren proudly replied before his tone filled with remorse, “However, it is quite heartbreaking to think about the toll all of this took on everyone and the extended period of time we have been without you three.”

“Well, you know what Tati has always said about timing since she first arrived at Crescent Moon,” Aruna affectionately stated, “When you are really ready for it, it will come.”

“Those words came from you as well?” Madeline breathed out in awe, her eyes widening slightly as she looked over at Mother, “That has become a favorite quote of mine!”

“Raven was also bestowed a favorite quote from our Tatiana,” Lorenzo kindly informed everyone, his eyes soft and a wide grin on his face as he fondly looked at Mother as well, “One that she reads every day, in fact. Written in the back of Sarika’s book of magic.”

After Lorenzo’s admission, Raven’s wide eyes immediately darted towards us, as Mother demurely breathed out, beaming at him, “Well, not to add yet another one, but I am known for my belief that the words we speak can live forever if they hold beauty and meaningfulness behind them.”

Turning her warmhearted gaze to Raven, she tenderly continued, “And if my memory serves me well, Sarika always loved one of my personal favorites. Magic is magic. It isn’t good or bad in and of itself. It’s the intent that matters.”

Raven’s jaw dropped as she heard the words that she held so dear, finishing the quote in a tone heavily laden with admiration and reverence, “Ideally, if you treat magic as a gift, and you use it to influence natural forces to help and heal, it is a positive act.”

“And every word of that is true, my beautiful and talented Raven,” Mother sincerely stated, “I too replay those words in my mind each day and have done so since I was a child. I find it has always kept me centered and focused.”

“Those words provide the same for me, Auntie,” Raven fondly returned, respectfully nodding, “Thank you.”

Winking at her, Mother benevolently breathed out, “Always, my darling, and I’m very much looking forward to my sisters and I working with you and Loa as we continue your training with your extraordinary gifts.”

“I’m very excited for that as well, Auntie,” Raven eagerly grinned, “I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to learn from all of you.”

“Although the youngest of us three, our Tati has always been the philosophical one,” Aunt Persephone admiringly said, “Something that has benefited both Reina and I greatly over the years, as well as her astonishing and powerful talent! Take heed of extended and continued knowledge of your craft, Raven, as it will benefit you for a lifetime, I assure you, my dear. I continue to learn new things to this day.”

Aunt Reina’s eyes reflected the same unconditional love as Aunt Persephone’s as she lovingly added, “Yes, in fact, our dear sister here is the one who created our little Power of Three! Her own powers giving her the ability to bring all three of us together as one for a combined strength of powerful magic like no other! But even today, we continue to learn new things that can be done as one!”

“All the while Tati continues her attempt to keep you two out of trouble!” Lorenzo chided, “Something she has surprisingly been able to do on her own without an army all these years!”

Her face reflecting a knowing expression and wide smile, Aunt Reina lightly warned him, “Lorenzo, no matter what you say, you will not take away the sparkle of my current good spirits! Besides, I promised I would behave.”

Lorenzo’s wide wicked smile gleamed in response, “Is now a bad time to point out that yours and Persephone’s words have just proven Tati will always be the favorite!”

“Tati, my darling,” Reina sneered playfully, staring Lorenzo down with a mischievous glare, “While I love you more than words can say, I’m afraid I need to pull out an old bag of tricks and give Lorenzo’s wolf an updated look! I’m thinking a bright sparkling pink fur! Or perhaps a nice glittering gold!”

“You know, I really had hoped both of you had softened with age!” Mother exasperated out as we all humorously responded around her, “Honestly! We are surrounded by so many youth and it’s you two acting like three year olds!”

“Perhaps I can help distract them, Auntie,” Nicholas kindly interjected, looking over at Madeline who smiled and nodded in return, “While we agree with you that keeping the true knowledge of who you are should be kept quiet until we figure out what we have to face, we thought there were a few more old friends that could be trusted with the knowledge, allowing you to reconnect with them as well.”

“Really?” Reina gleefully exclaimed, clapping her hands excitedly, “Oh, how wonderful! Thank you, my darlings!”

“Yes, as well as Horacio and Umar,” Soren gingerly stated, looking over at Tink and Beast, “As our Betas, Lorenzo and I feel that they should be aware. Not to mention, we feel they would especially appreciate having their memories returned of Tatiana.”

After staring incredulously at Soren for a moment, Tink’s mystified eyes turned towards Mother, “Those two jerks have memories of you, Auntie?”

Mother uncomfortably cleared her throat before tenderly stating, her soft gaze cautiously moving between Tink and Beast, “They do, my darling. You see, many years ago, I saved both of their lives during an intended ambush. But I am aware there is a bit of animosity between you four.”

“You saved them from an ambush?” I shockingly asked her.

“She not only saved them, but Soren and I that day as well,” Lorenzo appreciatively confirmed, “As well as Gareth and Soren’s Beta, Antonio.”

Gavin and Remi’s eyes both widened as Gavin breathed out in disbelief, “Wait, you saved our father from the ambush too?”

Her cheeks turning slightly crimson, Mother modestly replied, “Yes, I did, thanks to a very timely and beneficial vision.”

“Okay, I can’t argue how seriously cool that is or the fact that you are like completely amazing and awesome, Auntie,” Tink lightly protested, pointing at Beast, “But my big guy here has memories that could end up in a food fight—or worse!”

“I’ll behave for Auntie,” Beast quietly stated, his tone and softened dark gaze full of deep adoration.

“Thank you, Beast,” Mother sweetly returned, smiling brightly as her eyes found their way to his mate again, “What say you, my Tink?”

Rolling her eyes, Tink’s mouth spread into a wide mocked innocent grin, “I’ll behave for Auntie!”

Wrapping her arm around Tink’s shoulders, Mother leaned in and lovingly encouraged, “You know, if you four could find a way to put your differences aside, you would make an incredibly intimidating and forceful quadruple threat in our integrated army. Think of the moves you could create with that!”

“Nice try, Auntie,” Tink chuckled out, “But, I’m afraid no miracle worker wins for you today. I’ll still behave though.”

Looking over at me, Mother winked, muttering softly under her breath, “It was worth a try.”

“Valiant effort, Mother, but I’m afraid behaving is the best you will ever achieve on that front. But, if it helps, I can’t be the only one who expected food fight!” I playfully sighed out as the whole table burst out in humored laughter.

“Well, I think Zayden and I can keep the humor going thanks to our father’s warning,” Zayn chuckled out before quickly getting elbowed hard in the ribs by Jade, who shot him a warning glare as he innocently threw his hands up.

“Yep, Mom’s almost here!” Zayden laughingly sang out, his large muscular arm wrapping around Remi’s shoulders, “Get your fingers ready, my Remi.”

Aunt Persephone let out a roll of giggles, looking over at Aunt Reina, who instantly joined her as she amusingly asked, “Oh, bless poor Zahlia! She still falls faint easily?”

“Unfortunately, it’s still a regular occurrence, Auntie P,” Zayn smiled brightly, “But at least Zayden and I both have the muscles to handle it now. We have found if we catch her together, she’s really lightweight!” Directly after, he found himself on the receiving end of another hard jab from Jade.

“As we were quite close, it will be lovely to see your parents again,” Mother cordially stated before curiously asking, “Who else will be joining us?”

“Besides Zixin and Zahlia,” Gavin cheerfully replied, “I believe Faizon and Sarene, Linus and Deva, Ronan, and Artem. Luna suggested we start there.”

Horacio and Umar walked down the pathway from the main house to stand behind Lorenzo and Soren. Tink and Beast not only kept their word, but even slightly grinned at them, leaving both men caught a bit off guard and looking at one another in bewilderment causing Mother to cover her mouth trying to hide her laugh in response. Her action caught their attention, however, as their gazes turned to intently stare at her. Dropping her hand, she flashed them a warm smile which caused them both to raise their eyebrows in contemplative confusion.

Just then, Zixin and Zahlia came around the corner, quickly followed by their other old friends. As we all turned to welcome them, Aunt Reina and Aunt Persephone gasped loudly before they both exclaimed, “MATE!” It was clear I wasn’t imagining things as I heard Ronan and Artem instantly return with their own stunned responses, “MATE!”

“Awww, MAN!” Zayden and Zayn sang out loudly in unison, instantly sprinting across the yard followed by an instantly concerned Remi to help Zixin, who was unprepared, but managed to awkwardly catch Zahlia after she fainted upon hearing Ronan and Artem’s claims. Sarene and Faison found themselves speechless, only able to look shockingly between the four.

“J-Jace, my darling?” Mother choked out in her sudden wide-eyed stunned state, her disbelieving gaze locked on the two women who were now staring at Ronan and Artem with surprised ecstatic smiles, “D-Did your aunts just say…MATE?”

“Yes, they did,” I exhaled out, “I must say, that is a surprising twist.”

“Oh, my,” Mother whispered in awe, “Surprising twist indeed! Seems they have all finally found their mates! Though I’m quite curious as to how this didn’t happen when we arrived years ago!”

“Wow!” Carson happily exclaimed, “Thought we had seen the last of that, but again—POOF! MATES! I’m telling you, it never gets old!”

“No offense, Auntie,” Tink inaudibly whispered out, “But speaking of old—”

“Love has no age limit, Tink,” Mother quietly advised her, “And age is merely a number, my darling, especially when it comes to my sisters.”

“Well, this makes things interesting to say the least,” Raven grinned, “You already know one another so well!”

“OH MY STARS, SISTER! THEIR MEMORIES!” Aunt Reina cried out, anxiously looking over at Aunt Persephone.

“Raven, dear,” Aunt Persephone amiably requested, “We may want to speed up that little process. I’m rather curious to see Ronan and Artem’s reactions after their memories return!”

“Return of what memories?” Horacio harshly inquired, his eyes instantly darting back to Mother, “Who exactly are these witches?”

***********

TATIANA

I was stunned at what just happened. We had known Ronan and Artem since our first days at Crescent Moon. Why would the Moon Goddess wait until now to connect them with Reina and Persephone? Was it because of fate’s known plans for us? No matter the reason, my sisters’ happiness was a beautiful sight to behold, and I couldn’t be happier for them.

Moments later, the unknown was once again known by our additional guests. We were all able to see Ronan and Artem’s reactions, which at first seemed to be quite a jolt of shock as the revelation of their past with the Power of Three was returned to them. But afterwards, there was a great appreciation that flowed over the four newly formed deep connections…

“You and I have always shared a special closeness, Ronan,” Aunt Reina astonishingly exhaled out, “But like Tati, I am quite perplexed as to why our connection didn’t occur until now.”

“Well, if you will remember, Artem and I were incredibly focused on our work as lead warriors,” Ronan’s deep voice reasoned, wrapping his arm around Reina's shoulders, “We have both often thought too focused as we have moved into more supervisory roles in our semi-retirement. No matter the reasons, I could not be happier right now.”

“I, for one, am thrilled on all accounts,” Sarene gushed, “I have three beloved friends back and now Reina and Persephone can keep an eye on these two!”

Placing a tender kiss on her lips, Faizon happily stated, “Yes, they have been quite exhaustive for my poor beautiful wife to deal with and the return of our friends makes me very grateful as well!”

“Though I get the feeling your thoughts on keeping an eye on our friends may be a bit premature,” Zixin chuckled out, continuing to steady Zahlia, who said in amazement, “I’m still trying to wrap my head around it all, I’m afraid, but am thrilled as well!”

“Thankfully, Nicholas continues to allow our semi-retirement even though we can admittedly be a handful in our tactics,” Artem chuckled, his arm around Persephone’s waist as she gleefully sat in his lap, “Without that, we would have undoubtedly found ourselves lost, I’m afraid, or worse, even more mischievous than we already are! But, like my dearest friend, I am quite happy and content to have you in my life once more, Persephone. I never knew it would be such an amazing feeling finding one’s mate, even though it has regrettably been delayed.”

“You are both incredibly valuable to us,” Nicholas earnestly stated, then chided, “And I’ve seen the trouble you two can get into in your downtime. Definitely best to keep you busy, which finds me very grateful you have found two stunning mates!”

“You say that now, Nicholas,” I laughed out, “But I know these four—I’m afraid they could be more of double trouble!”

“Yes, you are no longer lost, my dear Artem,” Persephone adoringly smiled down at her mate, “No matter the reasons why, I am elated our connection has deepened in such a way! And as you will remember, I’m good at mischief!”

“It is all about timing, isn’t it?” Madeline giggled, looking over at me.

“Indeed, Madeline,” I smiled, “It most certainly is!”

Her eyes humorously staring at Horacio and Umar, Tink’s voice suddenly rang out in my mind, Looks like those two are still in shock, Auntie! Can’t lie! It’s pretty hysterical! Look at their faces! Totally dazed and confused! Been pretty easy to behave!

Following her gaze, I returned, They have been rather quiet, haven’t they? Although Horacio always did avoid me, even after I saved his life.

As if he knew of our private conversation, Umar respectfully spoke up, “It’s wonderful to have all of you back, Tatiana. It makes me very happy to see that an injustice has been righted and you are reunited with Jace.”

“Thank you, Umar,” I sweetly replied, “I hope all is well with you and your family. How is your dear wife, Celestia, and your two boys, Guntur and Caelus, I believe?”

“They are all well, thank you,” Umar quietly stated, “The boys are now young warriors in our army and I’m sure once Celestia can know of your return, she will be very happy that you are back home here at Crescent Moon.”

“Yes, I believe young Guntur will be a Beta to my Mattias one day,” Soren proudly boasted, “Much like his father, he is quite impressive.”

Grinning widely, I nodded appreciatively, “I’m sure he is.” Turning my attention to Horacio, I delicately asked, “And how have you been, Horacio? I was very happy to learn that you became a Beta. It came as no surprise, however, as your dedication and hard work has always proven to be a great asset to Lorenzo and the Spirit Walkers.”

It seemed Tink was right. Horacio’s expression continued to reflect immense shock and awe as did his tone as he replied, “Thank you, Tatiana. You have always been incredibly kind to me, even when I have been quite standoffish to you in return. I am well and feel very much the same as Umar. You of all people never deserved what was done to you after what you have always done for others. It’s—it’s very good to see you again…and to remember you once more.”

Holy crap! He almost made me forget I think he is a jerk for a second! Who knew he could ever be that NICE? Tink privately exclaimed.

As you can see, saving a life can have positive effects, Tink, I kindly responded, And there are things that can happen in one’s life that have life-long effects, though I will respect Horacio’s privacy and leave it at that. Just know that there is understanding to be had when it comes to him.