Losing The Light Of The Moon

Unexpected Friendships Are The Best Ones

Chapter Four:  Unexpected Friendships Are The Best Ones

TATIANA

After returning from the lake, Jace escorted me to my room in the main house, as Nicholas and Madeline had already taken my sisters to their rooms to settle in during our absence. I was rather surprised my sisters didn't make an appearance at the lake, but as we made our way back to the main house, Reina and Persephone did check in on me, informing me that Aruna asked to go instead and we would have our talk about it later.

As we walked up the stairs, Nicholas informed Jace that there was a dinner to be held outside that evening to celebrate our return, something I found myself looking forward to a great deal, excited at the opportunity to reconnect more with everyone in our inner circle as they each held a special place in my heart. 

Just after Jace left to get ready for the evening’s festivities, I heard a soft knock on my door. I expected my sisters to be on the other side, but instead found myself stunned when I opened it to discover a towering Lorenzo in front of me.

My eyes must have reflected my shock as Lorenzo uncomfortably greeted, “I hope I am not disturbing you, Tatiana. I’m afraid after Aruna returned, I was unable to stop myself from immediately making my way here to check on you. I did manage to wait until Jace left, not wanting to disturb your time with him.”

Leaning against the door, I humorously grinned, motioning for him to enter, “I’m incredibly touched by both your concern and sweet gesture, Lorenzo. Particularly as I am aware that my spell found you, forcing you to say the incantation that brought us home. Honestly, I’m surprised you are even speaking to me right now!”

It made me incredibly happy to see Lorenzo smile in response, walking in as he retorted in his majestic tone, “Had it been anyone other than you, Tati, that would most certainly be the case. I will not deny that initially I struggled with the responsibility and was not thrilled in having to recite your incantation. However, after you appeared, I felt honored that somewhere inside, you still held our friendship close to your heart enough that your butterfly found me. Of course, I refuse to allow Reina and Persephone to know that fact and will continue to adamantly deny that I was pleased in any way.”

“Of course,” I laughed out softly, “I remember well your immense reluctance when it comes to our kind. But you are not wrong, Lorenzo. I have always held our friendship very close to my heart, so I am not surprised that even though my memories of you had been temporarily forgotten, my butterfly found you.”

As I shut the door, he slowly turned to face me, wholeheartedly stating, “Until Raven, you were the only witch to ever make feel differently about magic. For many reasons as you are well-aware. And while I appreciate Raven and her gifts, you are more than likely the only witch that will ever hold a place in my heart, which brings me back to the reason for my visit.”

His hazel eyes filling with concern, Lorenzo fondly continued in a soft tone, “You have worried me greatly today, you know, Tati. Seeing you unconscious on the ground and the obvious pain that understandably reflected in you afterwards.”

My eyes appreciative as I looked up at my dear friend, I couldn’t deny that while he had aged slightly, especially his hair which at my last recollection was salt and dark pepper but now completely white, Lorenzo had not changed in the last fourteen years. Incredibly tall and broad in stature, he always carried himself in a stately and dignified manner. And as usual, he was wearing his typical perfectly pressed button up dress shirt—today’s choice being maroon—and black pants. 

While most saw my old friend as standoffish and arrogant, I always saw the hidden heart buried deep inside him. The kind heart that brought him to my room now. A fact that was especially surprising considering Lorenzo had always held witches in such high distain—except for me apparently, who he had known since his days as the young Alpha of the Spirit Walkers and Council member when I was only a young child.

“While my heart will always feel immense pain at the loss of my Julien, I am incredibly grateful to be back home, Lorenzo,” I warmly stated, “To be with Jace and all of my family and friends once more is the greatest gift I could ever receive. In fact, I can’t deny how wonderful it feels to know you still worry about me after all these years, especially after such a long absence.”

“While my memories of you were regrettably stolen from me for far too long,” Lorenzo thoughtfully replied, “Their return and seeing you once again has reopened the place you have always held in my heart, Tatiana. As you know, I have worried about you since the day you marched into The Council to valiantly confront us at the very young age of ten.  As fate would have it, the same age as Madeline when she found herself abandoned in the field.”

I let out an uncomfortable laugh under my breath, “You never were subtle, Lorenzo.”

“I have never had to be with you, Tati,” Lorenzo kindly grinned, “You have always preferred straight-forward.”

“That is true,” I grinned, “And while you are, as usual, correct, the circumstances were quite different and not something I wish to revisit at the moment. But, I am working on making peace with what happened during the battle at Mystic Fire together with Jace. In fact, we utilized one of my lanterns just earlier today. I had forgotten how much that could relieve any heaviness weighing on my heart.”

“Like most, I always loved that spell,” Lorenzo chuckled, “And for me to say the words love and spell, you know it must be something quite extraordinary.”  His eyes turning serious once more, he added, “As I know you must be incredibly overwhelmed currently, I will give you a momentary reprieve by not pressing further about the past and how it must be affecting you now. But I am sorry about the devastating loss of Julien, Tati. While your connection was a bit surprising initially, it always comforted me to know you had someone who deeply loved and protected you.”

“Thank you, Lorenzo,” I kindly returned, “And thank you for checking on me. It seems you are still protective over me as well.”

“I have always been and will always be protective of you, Tati,” Lorenzo quietly stated in an adoring tone, “As I have told you before, your first impression all those years ago left a lasting effect on me.  There are very few I can say that about.”  A wide grin crossing his face, he sincerely added, “It also doesn’t hurt that you saved my life many years later.”

I returned with a smile of my own as I sweetly replied, “I remember. Fortunately for you, Gareth, Horacio, Soren, Antonio, and Umar, our connection brought forth a vision that allowed me to get to you in the nick of time that night right before a planned ambush. Incredibly fortunate as I understand Horacio and Umar became Betas to you and Soren.”

“Agreed,” Lorenzo sorrowfully breathed out, “Antonio was unfortunately killed in battle not long after I lost Gareth. Both Horacio and Umar have been wonderful Betas to Soren and I, however, and as they are the best of friends, keep the camaraderie between our packs quite amiable. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same is had here.”

My smile turned a bit wicked as I humorously inquired, “Due to Beast and Tink, I assume?” Following Lorenzo’s regretful nod, I laughed out softly, “Well, that isn’t surprising. Neither Horacio nor Umar have ever been known to like defeat and both my Beast and Tink are each formidable in their own right, even more so together I would expect. Plus, they have youth on their side.”

“I’m afraid the dislike and distrust of one another runs very deep between them, which unfortunately is partially mine and Soren’s fault,” Lorenzo despairingly stated, “Quite recently, your Tink left permanent divots in Nicholas’ training field slamming their faces down into the ground, although admittedly rightfully so. I fear Beast is still seeking retribution against them for the grave error in judgement on all our parts that day.”

I couldn’t help but giggle as I closed my eyes and conjured up the vision of what played out on the training field, lightly chastising my old friend, “Honestly, Lorenzo! After the stunt that you and Soren pulled that day, you have no right to ever call me wicked!  Your treatment of my girls and my Beast was not just reprehensible, but horrid! Fortunately, Madeline seems to be a force to be reckoned with herself and prepared for anything. And my Tink has always been very special in her many talents! The girls are undeniably impressive just as we told all of you they would be!”

“Yes, they are. And as I stated, it was a grave error in judgement,” Lorenzo defensively muttered under his breath, “It's not something I am particularly proud of, but I suppose like Horacio and Umar, I too am not known to like defeat.”

Looking down at the large emerald ring set in white gold that had long been worn on my right ring finger, I stated in awe, “No, you are not. But in victory, you can be quite generous. I must tell you, I find myself both surprised and very grateful to still have your cherished gift in my possession, Lorenzo. Miranda must not have known what it means to me or that it was a symbol of our beloved friendship. Had she known, I am sure it too more than likely would have disappeared forever like all the other mementos from my Crescent Moon past. This ring you gave me after saving you that night is the only token I have left from my treasured time with all of you.”

“I did notice your mark was gone, as well as the jewelry that you always wore from not only Julien, but Aldric and Ainar as well,” Lorenzo dismally stated, “But know had it disappeared, I would have replaced my gift to you, Tati.  In fact, if you would like, I can commission for any of your other pieces to be replaced as well if it will help you obtain the peace you deserve by preserving the good memories for you that they held within them.”

“Thank you for your incredibly sweet and kind offer, Lorenzo,” I sadly replied, “It means more to me than you could ever know…and maybe one day I will take you up on that. But for now, I think I need to concentrate on finding my internal peace about everything.”

Lorenzo’s jaw ticked slightly as he delicately stated, “I suppose it is a bit soon for that, isn’t it? Another grave error in judgement on my part. You know me, Tati…I’m not very good when it comes to emotions, much less dealing with them. But, if I can help in any way—to alleviate any distress you may be feeling—just tell me what I can do to help. Whatever you need, I will make sure it is done.”

My eyes glazed over slightly as I listened to Lorenzo’s touching, heartfelt words—I knew very well how difficult emotional situations were for him. Beaming up at him, I tenderly replied, “Those words—your presence here right now—to know that our friendship still means as much to you as it does to me—that is all I need Lorenzo.”

“You were always so easy to please,” Lorenzo grinned while slowly making his way towards me, shocking me once more by wrapping his arms tightly around me, enveloping me in a rarely given warm embrace as he whispered out, “I am overjoyed to have you back, Tatiana, truly. Know that if you ever need anything, I will always be at your disposal…privately, of course.”

“Mmmmm,” I amusingly hummed, returning his strong hug, “Of course, as always. Wouldn’t want too many to know of the beautiful heart inside you. Might ruin your reputation.”

Pulling me back slightly, he peered humorously down at me, “You have always known me so well!”

A fit of giggles passed through my lips before I earnestly asked him, “So, tell me, my old friend. I was informed by Raven that the memories about the Power of Three were returned now because we are needed for what is to come following your victory over Roman and the Blood Horizons. Three of his higher-ranking members as well as others from Roman’s army who managed to escape. While grateful that it brought us back home, as impressive as the children and Raven are, I can’t help but feel perplexed as to why we are necessary to defeat them. Do you think the situation will become that dire?”

“As they were groomed by Roman, I’m afraid it could be,” Lorenzo worriedly acknowledged, “Honestly, while I am grateful it brought you and your sisters back to us, it makes me quite concerned as well. As much as I hate to admit it, this integration Nicholas and Alastor are working together on could prove incredibly beneficial. And if the Power of Three are as masterful as you have been in the past, that will add an extra layer of immense strength to what we potentially have to face.”

“I can assure you that we are just as strong as we have always been, if not stronger,” I confidently informed him, “and we will be working with Loa to continue Raven’s training of her new gifts. However, I do wish there wasn’t any conflict to be had so soon after our return. Even more, there is this worrisome feeling I cannot shake inside—that there is something we do not yet know—the real reason my sisters and I were revealed to Raven and need to be present in what will be faced. My attempts to visualize it thus far have not been successful and I can’t tell if that is fate’s work or something else.”

“We both know there is always some sort of conflict to be had, Tati,” Lorenzo knowingly breathed out, “There will always be those who thrive on it. However, your intuition has never been wrong, which leads me to be concerned about this feeling of yours as well.”

“Do not distress yourself as of yet, Lorenzo,” I slowly exhaled out in a confident tone, “I will continue my attempts to visualize what lies ahead and do everything I can to find the needed answers. I refuse to let any of you down again and most importantly, I will do everything in my power—no matter what it takes—to not allow anyone to take any of you away from me again!”