It started off as a bird, calling out for a mate. But it became louder, stronger. And with it, my heart started to race. Faster and faster until it was pounding in my ears like drums. And the call that started off as a gentle sound became a pounding rhythm that my heart matched up with.
Nix threw her head back and howled. Matching her voice to the racing song that had become my very essence. Megan soon joined. And then I was on my feet, head thrown back, howling my piercing song to a darkened sky and a full moon that watched over us all. My mind whirled because I was sure it had just been daylight here. My eyes stared up at the moon as the song kept pounding in my ears.
And then everything froze.
The world became silent, and it was like everything crystalized in this very moment. The pounding call of the wild, the thing that I was driven by, the call that danced along my skin not two seconds ago, leaving me breathless and panting, was my heartbeat.
I turned in a circle, searching for something. I was missing something. What exactly? I had no idea. But I was missing something. I dropped back down to my knees, and I was about to scream my frustration. I pounded into the ground and dirt flew into the air.
“Fighting it won’t help.” Someone knelt in front of me, and I looked up to find a radiant woman sitting on her knees before me. Her white hair cascaded down her body and her white dress shimmered in the moonlight.
“I don’t know what I’m searching for.”
“I know. Sweet girl. But I can help you.” She reached for my hand and I froze.
“Who are you?” I sat back on my heels and reached for her.
“Now, my dear girl. Who could I be…”
Chapter Twenty-Six
I
looked over at the stunningly beautiful woman, and something clicked inside of me. “Moon Goddess?”
“I knew you were a smart little pup.” She smiled down at me and her body seemed to pulse with light. “Now talk to me.”
“I can’t connect with nature…I won’t be able to save my father. I won’t be able to save myself.” I dropped my head to my hands and wanted to cry. “Goddess?”
“Yes, my dear girl.”
“Why?” I could only utter the one word and she gave me a sad smile.
“Some things have to happen.” She leaned down and kissed my forehead. “Some things are set in stone so that everything unfolds the way it has to.”
“But my pup.” I choked out, and her smile trembled.
“Is by my side and I have taken the very best care of him.” The Goddess pulled me to my feet and held my hand. “I tell him every day just how much you love him.”
Tears fell as I nodded. “I wanted him so much.”
“I know my daughter. And I’m sorry you had to live that life, but…”
“It’s okay.” I waved her away.
“Now, about connecting to your power.” The Goddess twirled under the moon and I had to remember to breathe. She was stunningly beautiful, and it took my breath away. She looked at me and smiled. “It’s because I call to your wolves. And you have two.” She cupped my cheek, and I nodded. “But you are chasing after your power. And you shouldn’t.”
“I have to connect to nature.” I shook my head and she smiled.
“You are chasing your tail.”
“What?” I didn’t know what she was saying.
“Sit. Listen.” We settled back on the ground. “Your power is a part of your very essence. You are essentially chasing your hand with the other hand.” I felt my face drop, and she smiled. “What happens when you chase something?”
“You catch it?”
“When a wolf feels threatened, it runs.” She patted my head. “Close your eyes.” I settled and listened to her voice. “The easiest way to coax out a wolf is to sit quietly and wait for it to come to you and then catch it off guard.”
