Chapter Thirty

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 into 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. I don’t know why, but 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.”

“But this is just connecting to nature.” I opened one eye, and she laughed.

“It’s a part of your very being. You have two wolves. Their nature is your nature.”

“So, what do I have to do?”

“Open yourself to the possibility. I have a feeling that you haven’t let yourself believe in actually having magic. But your line was blessed, for a very specific reason.”

“You gave us maple?” I felt myself center again, listening to the goddess’s voice.

“The blessing came from your human side, your father’s grandma. Instead of growing weaker, I nurtured the seed so that you would have the gift.”

“The seed?”

“Think of it as a seed. It is a small kernel of power, passed down from your father. But you have to plant it, nurture it, grow your power, like you would a flower. Stop chasing after nature, as it is fickle. Find the seed and plant it, allow it to flourish inside of you.” Her words faded, and I focused on my center.

“I thought no one could help me.” I dug deep, and finally, I found the kernel she was talking about. It was a soft, pulsing green, and just like when I chased after the power, it made my heart race. I wrapped my hand around it, and I could feel the pounding vibration of my heartbeat. “I thought I had to find this on my own.”

But when I opened my eyes, the goddess was gone, and in her place was a white pot. There was a folded piece of paper beside it, and I picked it up, opening my hand to look at the seed of power.

Sometimes, even a goddess has to intervene. Plant your seed, nurture your power, watch out for the darkness. The note made me shiver as I dropped it back to the ground and pushed a finger into the soil in the pot. I felt the world slow as I pushed the seed deep into the hole I had made.

I covered the seed with dirt, and then I looked up to the moon, but it was once again a sun, and a soft rain fell. I still didn’t understand how I connected with nature, but anytime I touched the white pot, I could feel something trembling across my skin.

“Power.” Nix’s voice jolted me from the pot. I had focused solely on the seed that she and Megan had faded.

“How did I connect with nature?”

“I think when we were chasing it, it was playful and stayed away, making you work harder. But the goddess gave you this outlet. One your mind would comprehend.” Megan stepped forward and nudged the pot.

“Why?”

“Because she has need of us.” Nix’s answer was swift and terrifying.