Chapter 186
I sighed and arched an eyebrow. “Alright then, not dead. Just dreaming, I suppose.”
“Precisely! Dreaming!” The
luminous voice trilled with childlike excitement.
“Liminal dream. Threshold space. Neither alive nor gone.” The shadowed voice intoned, each word falling heavy as stone.
“Is this some cosmic version of good cop, bad cop? Or will you actually tell me who you are?” I challenged, extending my fingers toward
of the dancing motes of light that spiraled around us like miniature galaxies.
Without warning, a face materialized inches f
from mine, causing me to jerk backward. It was perfectly bisected–the right half radiant silver like polished moonlight, the left a bottomless obsidian that absorbed all light. When it smiled, the contrast become even more jarring: needle–sharp obsidian teeth set midnight gums on one side, opposite perfect ivory teeth nestled in rose–pink on the other. Warm breath caressed my face as two voices spoke as one! “Greetings, Welcome.”
“Um, hi…” I managed, finally exhaling. The creature responded with a discordant harmony–hell–like laughter intertwined with deep, rumbling mirth
The luminous half extended a glistening tongue that swept across both sides of the divided mouth in a fluid motion. The entity drifted backward slightly, allowing me to fully appreciate the perfect division that ran exactly down its centerline. I tracked the division downward, past the elegant neck, across the torso, to where a flowing garment rippled as though woven from starlight and shadow. Understanding dawned on me like a sunrise.
I lowered myself in a deep, respectful bow, eyes downcast. “Lady of the Moon. I’m… I never thought I’d stand in your presence.”
The bright half tittered with pleasure. “I knew she would recognize us.”
With a gesture so swift I couldn’t track it, our surroundings transformed. We now sot across from each other at an ornate circular table that seemed forged from liquid mercury. The Goddess leaned forward on her silver arm, studying me with unnerving intensity. “Forgive this… unconventional meeting, but circumstances demanded intervention”
“The honor is mine,” I replied, struggling to maintain composure. “Though I’d appreciate knowing if I’m truly alive. My children need me. I was attacked with wolfsbane poison.”
The Goddess made a musical sound of amusement, but when she spoke, it was her brighter aspect that answered: “Oh, precious one. The wolfsbane found its target–but that target wasn’t you.”
I frowned, confusion clouding my thoughts. “That’s impossible. My wolf, Cassandra–she perished years ago.”
“Listen carefully, Aria. Long ago, when poison threatened to destroy you both, your wolf made the ultimate sacrifice–she cut herself a toxin to preserve your life. But in doing so, something else was lost… the recognition between you and your true mate.”
away, absorbing the
“Mate?” I repeated numbly, feeling as though the conversation had suddenly veered into madness. There’s been some mistake, I would know if I’d found my mate. That connection is unmistakable.”
“I know it’s difficult to believe, the Goddess said, her dual nature creating an otherworldly harmony as both voices merged, “but she has been here all along” The silver hall’s expression softened with compassion while the obsidian side regarded me with solen intensity. “I thought it was time you two were properly reunited.”
The words hang in the shimmering air between us, each syllable weighted with significance that made my heart poun gestured with a fluid motion–half light, half shadow–toward the approaching figure, her mismatched eyes gleaming with something that looked almost like maternal pride. Movement caught my attention–a flash of familiar tawny fur approaching our table.
pound against my ribs. The Goddess
My breath caught painfully in my throat as I beheld a sight I’d given up hope of ever seeing again. My wolf, my Cassandra, her golden brown coat gleaming with vitality, amber eyes alert and intelligent. She settled beside the dark half of the Goddess, who stroked between her ears with surprising gentleness. The sight pierced something deep within me–a wound I’d carried for so long I’d forgotten it was there. Tears gathered, but I refused to let them fall, swallowing hard against the knot of emotion.
“Cassandra?” I whispered, my voice cracking on the second syllable, reaching one trembling hand toward her.
