Page 43 of Total Lunar Eclipse
“Caed, would you catch him up to speed?” I ask the rust-red man-god. “I fisted her good,” is all I say to Mio, whose eyes widen. “As I was saying, I realized something while fighting that slippery cuntcushion. The astrological movements of the third dimension affect the planetary gods, in any dimension. Lina, as Moon, is the fastest moving body in the third dimension and as such, she quickly changes houses and signs. I watched this pattern in the fluctuation of her powers as her planet became ingress- that is, as it entered a new sign. If she’s compatible with the sign, it strengthens her powers, but if it’s not a compatible sign to the Moon, it weakens her. Of course, the moon phases also plays an important role, too. Lina’s strongest during a full moon and weakest at a new moon. That’s when it hit me, the total lunar eclipse will be upon us soon, and that’s like a full moon on ‘roids. Worse, this full moon will be in Libra, the sign of partnerships. Not only is this a compatible energy for her power, but it also will allow her the tools to manipulate your relationships with her. She’ll be practically unstoppable in creating the bond she wants with you guys. She isn’t going to let you guys notchooseher.”
I lapse into silence as the guys mull over my words.
“Also,” I continue after a moment, “I realized my powers are not as strong because Venus and the Sun are still semi-square right now, so Nyam’s luminary energy is not at its most compatible with my inherent powers as Venus, but that should change a little before the total lunar eclipse. I’m hoping with having her Luminary powers stripped and cutting off her access to the Minors, Lina will be weaker. Theoretically, I’m stronger, but the full moon puts her in a position to exert dominance over you guys via the curse. I guess, in a way, you can say she bonded you to her with it and can control you through it, as she has for centuries here on Earth. Until the curse is broken, you are beholden to her. You say I’m the key to breaking the curse, but I’m not sure what I can do. . . Venus’ powers aren’t a counterpoint to the Moon’s.”
“Actually, I’ve been thinking on this,” Khal announces and I smile.
Of coursehe’s been thinking about this.
“I don’t think it’s necessarily your powers as Venus as much as your tie to this dimension and your humanity.”
I wait for him to expound as Caed, the twins, Arawn, and Mio shake their heads in agreement. I wait some more and realize the obnoxious man has said he piece.How in the holy fu-
“She ranting at you in her head,” Caed tells Khal.
“What did I do?” he demands.
“Apparently, you didn’t explain yourself. She’s confused. And we should probably turn back into human form,” Caed comments casually.
I watch as the man-gods effortlessly shift into their familiar human skins. I had missed my golden Wildman; of all of the guys, he’s the most different in god form. It’s nice to see the twins looking identical again, and I adore Arawn’s green eyes. Don’t get me wrong, these men are smokin’ as gods, but it takes a little getting used to. . .
They look at me expectantly.
Oh, right, I finally get to be me again.
I close my eyes tightly and concentrate.
I want to be peach.
Notapeach.
I want to be Zahra Delsol.
I also wanted to be taller, with bigger boobs, and-
“NO!” Caed’s shout interrupts my thoughts. “You’re fine the way you are. Besides, you’ll end up a fucking giraffe with tits; just be you.”
I glare at him while I will myself to be human once more.
I know I’ve accomplished the goal when the immense weight of my long hair vanishes.
The familiar brownish-blonde strands and sun-kissed skin make me smile.
I wrap myself up in a hug and the guys chuckle.
“Khal, what did you mean about being tied to this dimension?”
“Remember we told you that when we came to the third dimension, although mostly empty, some things already were here?”
“Yes.”
“Well, the planet Venus was one of those things. I think you’re inherently part of this dimension in a way we will never be, as if the Universe knew you would be needed someday and already had you in place. Almost as if this isyourdomicile. And although Lina controls humanity as its creator, you’re on a different level. You don’t remember your godhood; only, I’m not convinced you had one before this. You were created to balance the Moon, but your existence has been a human one. A very specific human life, too. How many people know astrology to the degree you do? Everything you have done and learned has been for this purpose.”
“So much for free will,” I joke.
“You have free will,” Arawn says gently. “You don’t have to do anything.”
“And let Bitchhole make the men I love miserable?As if,” I sat in my bestCluelessvoice.
