Chapter 390: The Temple

Ella

It's a long climb. Cora and I are panting by the time we reach the top. Even though Sinclair took Rafe from me halfway up, I need a moment to catch my breath when we reach the final level. Roger, with his usual indecency, looks smug; he's barely winded. Cora playfully shoves him as she catches her breath and wipes the sweat from her brow.

Even as my heart rate slows, I marvel at the sight before me.

The Goddess's temple, like the one in the city, is built of white marble. Unlike the city temple, however, this one looks ancient. Vines grow in thick ropes all over it, making it seem like an organic part of the forest. The temple is tall and wide, its pillars drawing my eyes upward to the slanted roof, which curls into a dome. A golden crescent moon, at the dome's peak, reaches toward the sky, glinting in the sunlight.

"Wow," Cora says, standing beside me, equally awestruck. "Mom has someimpressive property."

"I know, right?" I mutter, crossing my arms and shaking my head. If someone had told me, as a little girl sleeping in my creaky orphan bed, that my mother lived here…

Well, I probably would have believed them. But I was a very imaginative child.

"Um," Roger says, looking anxiously at Cora. "Shall we?"

I smile at him. He's eager to move on but wants to give Cora space to process this. It's more intense for her than for him, and his consideration is sweet. Roger has grown so much since I first met him.

Sinclair stands beside me. I grin at him, then turn to my baby, taking his hands and speaking to him quietly, asking how he likes it and if he's ready to meet his grandmother. Rafe claps and gurgles excitedly.

"It's like he understands sometimes," I say quietly, smiling up at Sinclair.

"Well," Sinclair says, grinning proudly, "he's very clever."

"Yes," I say, leaning closer to kiss my baby's forehead. "Yes, he is. The most clever baby the world will ever see—"

"He can keep that title for about five more months," Roger calls, crossing his arms with a smirk. Sinclair laughs and shakes his head.

"Are you ready, Cora?" I ask, moving to her side.

"I think so," she says, nodding and taking my hand. With another deep breath, the five of us walk toward the temple. As we approach, a woman in dove-colored robes emerges.

I hesitate, startled by the robes—because the last time I saw them… But I feel Sinclair's hand on my back, a comforting pulse through our bond. I exhale, stepping forward to stay beside Cora.

He's right. This isn't the same situation. This is different. Not every priestess will try to take my baby. Some surely serve my mother.

"Welcome," the woman says, bowing slightly and smiling warmly. "Daughters of the Goddess—you are welcome here. And you are right on time."

Cora and I smile at each other, then back at the woman. "Is she here?" I ask. The priestess smiles warmly, but Cora frowns.

"Can't you feel her?"

I blink, realizing she feels our mother's presence. I bite my lip, feeling deep grief. I can't feel her. I used our bond—the magic—to unbind my wolf and my gift to save my child, Cora, and my mate. Cora realizes this, her mouth forming a startled "O," but I shake my head and smile.

"It's okay," I say, squeezing her hand. "I'm glad you can feel her for both of us."

She nods sympathetically, and we turn back to the priestess.

"Please," the priestess says, smiling at our group, her gaze lingering on the baby. "Please, come inside."

We follow the priestess into my mother's temple. I wonder if everyone's heart is pounding as hard as mine.

The temple's interior is different from others. The desert temple was elegantly sparse; the city temple was sweeping and impressive. This one is cozy. The architecture is bright and wide, but it feels lived-in. The padded benches, well-loved books in alcoves, and a worn broom in the corner make it feel like a home. This is my favorite temple, and I like it here.

The priestess doesn't pause in the central room but leads us to a door at the back. Before opening it, she smiles warmly. "Are you ready?" she asks, giving us a moment.

Cora tucks her hair behind her ears. Roger stands behind her, straightening his shoulders, his face serious. He's about to meet his mate's mother for the first time. I smile at them as I take the baby from Sinclair's carrier. I want Rafe close as we see his grandmother. It feels right.

Once we're ready, and Sinclair has a hand on my shoulder, Cora nods to the priestess, who opens the door.

We see her immediately. The beautiful Goddess, glowing faintly, stands at the far end of the room. Her face breaks into a smile as we cross the room, her eyes flashing over us, focusing on Cora. Tears well in my eyes as I study her. I see Cora in her face, expression, and posture. Her hair is like mine, but everything else is my sister. How did I not see it before? Was I such a fool?

But I dismiss it. She's a Goddess, divine. She lets us see what we want or need to see.

As I think this, my mother's eyes meet mine, and she smiles. Tears slip down my cheeks as I smile back. Then, she refocuses on Cora, moving to take her hands.

"I'm so glad you've come to see me, daughter. Finally."

"Hey," Cora says, tears falling, then laughing at her awkward start. "Hello, Mom."

"Um," Cora says, turning to Roger. "You remember Roger, right?"

"I do," the Goddess says, laughing, the sound like tinkling bells. "I'm glad, Roger, that you finally understood my message in the desert."

"Yeah," he says, smiling and grimacing as he runs a hand through his hair. "I'm sorry. I overthought it."

The Goddess smiles and extends a hand to him. "You will come with me," she says, turning to another door, to a more private room. "So that we may speak."

I step back toward my mate, but before they go, my mother turns to me and smiles. "Ella," she says warmly, her eyes shifting to Rafe. "Thank you for bringing my first grandchild to meet me. I had a glimpse of him before, when you had him dedicated to me. But to see him now—in the flesh?—it is a gift."

"He's a gift," I whisper, holding my baby tight, sending him love. He looks up at me, squeaking happily. I laugh and look down at him.

"As you are to me," my mother says. I look up, tears still falling, and I nod, understanding.

The Goddess turns, taking Cora and Roger's hands, leading them away. As the door closes, I step back into Sinclair's arms.

"You okay, gorgeous?" he murmurs, his lips close to my ear.

"Yeah," I say, snuggling against him and kissing Rafe's head. "I really, really am, Dominic. I'm perfect."

"Yes," he sighs, kissing my head. "Yes, you are."