I selected Aldo and Cain for you because I perceived that he was gradually deteriorating and required an individual to stabilise him, someone to temper his volatility. You embodied that role. Your composure, intellect, and pragmatic reasoning, along with your patience, rendered you an exemplary choice. I had anticipated that your presence would enable Aldo to recognise his mistakes, but I was mistaken.
I am uncertain as to why Aldo acted as he did. I cannot comprehend why Cain failed to prevent his human from repeatedly neglecting the relationship with your sister. I do not understand why you had to bear the consequences of their errors, but I can assert that Jadi was never intended to serve as a punishment.
He was an individual who could merely aspire to discover love. Long ago, he resigned himself to the belief that he would never find a partner due to his shortcomings. He existed in solitude, fear, and despair. He felt unworthy of the circumstances he faced, as did you,” the Goddess responded. “I understand that this is not the response you anticipated, but at times, life is simply beyond our control.”
“I see,” I say, crossing my hands over my chest as I contemplate. “So what now?”
The Goddess contemplates in silence, while Devina licks her creator’s fingers. After a prolonged time, the Moon Goddess exhales and stands up.
“I have made numerous decisions for you, so for once, I am offering you a choice, my child. Would you prefer to remain human, or will you accept one final gift from me?” she enquires.
“I do not comprehend,” I shake my head at her, and she directs Devina to stand.
“I previously devised a plan for Devina; however, like you, destiny has imposed an unjust circumstance upon her. She must confront the treachery of her former human and now anticipates a new destiny. My mother, the Goddess of the Night, has bestowed her blessing, and she is destined to belong solely to a human of your kind.”
“My kind?” I enquire. “What do you imply?”
“Not yet, child. You are not prepared for that information at this moment,” the Goddess responds, redirecting her attention to the wolf. “Devina is a magnificent being, beautifully flawed, and complements Jimmy’s audacious nature. She is yours, should you desire her, but proceed with caution, my child. I will extend this offer only once. A tempest approaches, one that will irrevocably alter your existence.”
“Do you desire to confront your destiny as a human, or do you prefer to assume the form of a wolf? The choice is yours,” the Goddess states, while Devina frolics around me like an exuberant puppy.
I gaze at the magnificent wolf, my mind racing as I contemplate a response. I have never aspired to be a wolf for numerous reasons. Being human is my identity, and I have always taken pride in it. Even as Luna, I did not resent exerting twice the effort as others for equivalent outcomes because I had faith in myself and my abilities.
After years of cohabitation with wolves, I witnessed the severity of their hierarchy and the brutality of their affiliations, which instilled in me a profound aversion to their society. The treachery of Aldo and Blood Night further solidified my resolve to eschew any future association with a pack. However, I now recognise that not all wolves embody malevolence. My offspring is a wolf, and my beloved partner is also a wolf; I have come to appreciate both their virtues and their shortcomings. Wolves are not as flawless as I once perceived; they inflict pain and err like humans, and often exhibit greater compassion than humanity itself.
I do not require a wolf; as a human, I may be beneficial. However, perhaps being a wolf is not entirely undesirable.
My head aches as I attempt to comprehend my desires, with my thoughts overwhelming me simultaneously. I was born human and have never wished to be anything else. Must I genuinely alter my identity?
“You have made your decision, have you not?” enquires the Goddess of the Moon. “How intriguing.”
“Are you ridiculing me?” I murmur, as the Moon Goddess chuckles softly to herself.
“You occasionally render it challenging to appreciate you,” she responds, prompting a wry laugh from me.
“I have been informed,” I retort. “However, gaining popularity is not my objective. I am who I am.”
“Thus, despite your coarseness, I still hold affection for you,” the Moon Goddess smiles.
Despite my irritation, I cannot suppress the little curvature of my lips as I turn to confront the exquisite wolf wagging her tail at me.
“It is time to return home,” the Moon Goddess exhales. “Your mate awaits you.”
The Moon Goddess tenderly cradles my face, compelling me to gaze into her celestial eyes.
“Treat him kindly,” she whispers. “He is in pain. Jadi has just committed an act he never believed himself capable of. Do not allow it to obliterate his inherent goodness. Treat him kindly. He requires your love now more than ever.”
“Indeed, your Grace,” I respond without delay. “I am enamoured with that man.”
A soft smile graces her lips as she leans in to kiss my forehead. “Good. He loves you as well.”
Before I can articulate further, a brilliant flash of light obscures my vision, and I descend into a spectrum of colours.
