Sadie POV
When my sisters and I were little, our mother would tell us that if we needed the Moon Goddess, we only needed to send up a prayer, and she would answer. Well, I have done that. I have prayed every night. Asking her to forgive what the Fae Queen had done to displease her. Reminding her that many of us fought on her side. Begging her to help me find my fated mate, as my sister, Scarlett, had.
But the Moon Goddess has remained silent. My prayers have gone unanswered. Now, I clutch the book Destin abandoned close to my chest. I can feel the magic pulsing inside the cover. It is begging to be set free, but I am unable to read the words. I know many languages, but this is one I have never seen before. The alphabet consists of symbols not of this world.
I considered taking it to the Fae who stays with the royal family. Certainly, she would be able to read it if the book is from her realm. But I feared she would take it from me. I don't know why, but I know this book is the key to saving the werewolf world. Something no one else has been able to do. I will save them, and when I do, Selene will give me my pick of mates, and I know exactly who I will choose.
The higher I climb into the mountain, the more frigid the air becomes. I thought I had dressed warm enough, but I was not expecting to have to walk on foot the whole way. Rumors have spread through the werewolf world that Selene's temple is hidden in the mountains of the Sequoia Forest, and only her true followers can find it.
The book seems to pulse against my chest, almost like it is warning me that danger is close by. I use it as a beacon to lead me where I am supposed to go. It thumps. The cover bouncing opened with each beat.
Stepping out of the trees, there is a massive temple standing before me. A crescent moon is carved onto stone. This must be the temple I have been looking for. I let out a sigh of relief because I am one step closer to getting everything I want.
As if on cue, my phone buzzes in my pocket. I am certain it is Scarlett. She has been calling me nonstop since I left the Gravestone Pack. At first, it was to tell me about how wonderful her mate is. Then it was to tell me that Sophie had found her mates, two of them, in the Immortal Realm. Now, her calls are frantic, wondering where I am.
I consider ignoring the call, but I pull my phone out anyway. Charlie's name flashes on the screen. I should end the call, but curiosity gets the better of me. He left for the Immortal Realm to be with Wren. What could he possibly want with me?
"Hello?"
"Where are you?" He growls.
"Why do you care? Shouldn't you be with your precious princess?"
He sighs loudly. "I know where you are going. It is a mistake. Look inside your heart. You know Selene will only help herself once you give her that book. Bring it back to the Immortal Realm. I am begging you."
"Wow," I scoff. "You seem to know a lot for someone who knows nothing."
"Sadie." His voice is soft. "I know you think this is the way. I know you think you always come in last when it comes to your sisters, but that isn't the truth. You will find your mate in your own time. When the time is right."
"Selene takes care of those who are loyal to her," I yell. "You wouldn't understand because you have abandoned our goddess. The very person you owe your life to. I will have my mate."
"This won't make him love you," Charlie whispers. The words are so quiet that I almost miss them.
"You know nothing," I remind him.
I end the call and drop my phone at my feet. I stomp on the screen, crushing it into pieces. They won't be able to find me, and if they do, it will be too late.
I step inside the temple, and the book struggles in my arms as if it is trying to break free from this place. A crescent shaped altar stands in the middle of the floor. It is stained with blood, and gifts are scattered on the floor around it. Others have come here to ask her for favors. Some gave their blood, others possibly more. I don't know if they had been answered by the Moon Goddess, but I try not to dwell on the thought.
Lying the book onto the altar, I close my eyes and brace my hands against the stone. "Moon Goddess. I bring you a book of spells from the Immortal Realm, and in return, all I ask for is to find my mate."
"Well," a voice fills my mind. "One of my loyal subjects has finally brought something worthy."
I open my eyes, but I am no longer in the temple. I am in a throne room, and a beautiful woman is sitting in front of me. Dropping to my knees, I don't dare to look upon her. "Moon Goddess."
"Rise, my child. Someone as loyal as you doesn't need to fear me."
I get to my feet and see the book resting on her lap. She flips through the pages and scowls. "This is the magic of the one who destroyed my creatures. She twisted them, turning them into something vile."
"Please," I beg her. "I only want to find my mate."
Her blue eyes roam over my body before diving into my mind. She rips through my thoughts and my memories, leaving nothing untouched. The pain is unbearable, but I refuse to show her weakness. When she finally leaves my mind, I drop to my knees and hold my head in my hands.
"I cannot give you what you want."
"But," I stutter. "I brought you the book."
"And I will cherish it always," she smiles. "But Destin already has a mate. My granddaughter. Or have you forgotten?"
"Just remove the bond," I plead. "You are the Moon Goddess. You can do anything."
Selene leans forward. "The bond has been completed. There is nothing I can do."
Panic rises in my chest. I was certain she would answer my prayers if I gave her what she wanted. I fear that Charlie was right.
"I could give you another mate," she interrupts my thoughts. "I could make him easy to find, but you came here asking me to destroy something I created. So, I will not."
"Wait," I cry out. "I didn't mean to upset you."
She snaps her fingers, and a silver cage surrounds me. "You should have listened to the former Alpha."