Page 59 of Midnight Deception

Atlas stands and meets Nicolai, his hands turned outward as he calls his magic, ready to defend himself should he be attacked. Of course this just escalates the situation, the two of them staring at each other intently, neither moving to cross that line that’s been drawn between them. Movement catches my eye, and I glance over to see Luna watching the two of them, shaking her head in exasperation. She clearly isn’t too worried about them hurting each other, but it’s different for her. If they hurt each other, then they hurt me too.

“Please don’t fight,” I plead quietly, slumping back against the pillows on the bed. “I don’t have the energy for it.”

“Laelia.” Nicolai snaps out of his stare off and climbs across the bed to reach me, frowning at my slumped and exhausted state.

“She needs this to heal,” Atlas snaps. “Don’t jeopardise her opportunity to recover.”

I hate to admit it, but Atlas is right. The queen has taken long enough to agree to this, so I know she’ll change her mind if we cause any problems. There’s no way she’s ever going to agree to let me out withbothof my mates, and Nicolai is her bargaining chip when it comes to me.

Reaching out, I take his hand in mine and stop his fussing. His eyes meet mine, and I see that he already knows there’s nothing he can do to stop me, nor does he want to keep me from this opportunity. Sighing, he lifts my hand to his cheek, nuzzling against it and taking a deep inhale.

“I’ll only be gone a few hours, Nicolai, then I’ll be back and strong again.” The promise comes easily. It’s important that I leave Haven tonight. The feeling inside me that helps guide me is insistent, and I’m confident that tonight is a special, important night.

* * *

The next couple of hours crawl by, knowing what’s to come, but having nothing to do in the meantime is a special type of torture. I just can’t wait to feelnormalagain and to have unrestricted access to the goddess and moon. Luna tries to keep me entertained with stories of her peers, but I just nod politely, not really listening to what she’s saying.

When I feel the sun finally set, I sit up and look at Atlas expectantly. At his nod, I get dressed as quickly as I can, which unfortunately isn’t that fast thanks to my shaky limbs. Atlas walks over with a strip of black material in his hands that I assume is the blindfold. When he reaches for me, I go to step forward, but Nicolai appears at my side, placing a hand on my shoulder. I glance at him, but it’s not me he’s looking at.

“The only reason I’m letting her go with you is because you can offer her something she needs that I can’t,” Nicolai grits out, looking like the words are physically painful for him to say. “However, if you let her get hurt, even a broken nail or scuffed knee, I’ll kill you slowly, and I’ll enjoy it.”

I’ve not seen this more dominant side of Nicolai before, and it makes my heart flutter. However, I’m expecting this to cause a strong reaction from Atlas, and I prepare to have to step in.

Atlas nods his head, surprising me with the lack of anger in his expression. Instead, he looks particularly solemn as he stares at my mate. “You have my word. I’ll protect her with my life.”

Nicolai stares at him for a long moment before accepting his promise with a jerk of his head, and then he holds out his hand. At first, I’m confused, thinking they are going to shake hands like the humans do, but he takes the blindfold from Atlas, and my mouth drops open, making a small noise of surprise as he lays the fabric over my eyes. Atlas takes my hands and places them on his chest so I have something to hold onto now that my vision is obscured, while Nicolai is close behind me, his fingers tying a knot into the blindfold.

Being pressed between them like this stirs my arousal, but now isnotthe time to be having thoughts of what the three of us could do in this situation. They must both sense that I’m turned on, but thankfully neither of them mention it. Nicolai does have to clear his throat at one point, and I scent his own desire. When he steps back, I miss his heat immediately.

The only thing keeping me upright is Atlas and his hands on my upper arms. I feel him shift his weight, his arm sliding down my back. “I’m going to carry you in my arms,” he explains, and I just nod in agreement.

Usually I would protest, but there’s no point in putting up a fight. I was dizzy and unstable before, but now that I’m blindfolded, there’s no way I could get to our destination without crashing into everything on our way. I’m not going to gamble away the opportunity to see the moon out of pride.

He swings me up into his arms, and I settle against his chest, silently enjoying being so close to him. My goodbyes to Luna and Nicolai are quick and quiet, but I promise them I’ll be back soon. Then, before I know it, we leave my rooms and we’re out in the corridor. Of course, I can’t see that, but sound travels differently out here and the scents are dissimilar.

Atlas and I are silent as he carries me through Haven. If we pass anyone, they stay out of the way, as I’m unable to hear them. This time together is strangely nice, the bond between us purring. We’re so close together, and there are no words or arguments to get in the way. We’re fully united.

The moment we step outside, it’s as though a huge weight has lifted from my chest and I’m fully able to breathe. Gasping, I feel Atlas’s grip on me tighten as he hurries through the unprotected parts of land. Other than a light tingling on my bare skin, I wouldn’t have known we passed through the barrier unless I’d been paying attention. I can already feel the call of the moon, and a blissful smile pulls at my lips as some of my strength begins to return. We don’t travel for long, but I can feel Atlas’s tension the whole time. I, on the other hand, haven’t felt this free in a long time and am content to bask under the presence of the moon.

A light tingling tells me we’re covered by the shield once more, and Atlas lets out a long breath, slowly coming to a stop and lowering me to my feet. His fingers brush over the fabric covering my eyes, and I blink as I take in the surrounding area.

We’re in a forest just like any other. There’s nothing particularly special about it. Being here, though, surrounded by the trees and scent of pine, my heart glows with happiness. I’d never realised how much I loved the woods until I was taken away from them. I’m reminded of home and family, and late nights running with my pack, not having a care in the world. The trees are tall and silent, their leaves creating a dark canopy. We’re in a clearing, ankle height grass and a scattering of wildflowers surrounding us, their gentle fragrance filling the air. It’s beautiful, I suppose, but I’m not focused on that, because the thing that catches my attention is the moon. From here, I can see it perfectly in all its glory, and tears sting my eyes.

I’ve never been able to explain my connection with the moon. Of course, all werewolves worship the moon and her goddess, but no one I’ve spoken to has ever felt the same comfort and wonder like I do. Even now, I swear it is greeting me like an old friend, the pull in my chest making my smile widen. I’ve always thought the moon had a type of magic of its own, and now I’m even more sure as I feel stronger with every moment I stand under its majesty. Star appears at my side, rubbing up against my leg and tilting her head up, releasing a long howl and telling the world that we’re back. Atlas hums behind me, his hand on my waist to steady me, but he says nothing as I continue to soak up the moon’s glory.

Daughter.The goddess’s warm greeting hits me, and I can feel the full force of her mighty power as she surrounds me, her whispered word full of love. I can’t vocalise how difficult it’s been not being able to connect to her properly while I’ve been in Haven. Thankfully I don’t have to as I feel her understanding like a warm embrace around me. Although it makes me feel stronger, I can already feel my legs protesting, my body trembling slightly no matter how much I try to keep it at bay.

You have been injured.Anger laces the voice in my mind, promising retribution to anyone who dared to touch me. Within seconds, there is a warm tingling sensation across my entire body, causing all pain and exhaustion to disappear. Just like that, I’ve gone from days of weakness and unhealing wounds to being completely healed. I’m sure I would have healed under the moon tonight, it had already been strengthening me, but she’s taken away hours of suffering. I feel amazing and stronger than I ever have before.

Chuckling at my brightness and overwhelming gratitude, she brushes up against me again.Enjoy the full moon. Run, and remember, I am always with you, even when you can’t feel me.

She’s said something similar to me before, and I know she’s telling me to stay strong when I return to Haven. She hasn’t forsaken me, she’s always watching over me. I grin, finally pulling my gaze from the moon. Full of energy, I bounce on my toes and turn to look at Atlas, my smile bright. He’s watching me with amazement, his eyes locked on my lips. It’s clear I’ve been healed, and he shakes his head in wonder. It looks like he’s going to say something, his lips parting, but he seems dumbstruck. Star chooses that moment to nuzzle my legs, pushing me to get moving. I don’t need much convincing. The goddess said to enjoy my run, so that’s what I’ll do. Chuckling, I kick off my shoes and start to back away.

“I’m going for a run. I need to feel the wind against my skin.” Skipping back a few steps, I see the frown appearing on his face but know he’ll understand. I’m not going to leave the protective barrier, and I won’t be gone long. “I’ll be back before you know it.” Blowing him a kiss, I spin on my heels and begin to run between the trees, letting my heart lead me.

“Laelia, wait,” he calls after me, cursing as he realises I’m not going to stop. His heavy footsteps follow close behind. However, my werewolf strength has been returned to me, and I soon lose him. Part of me knows I should be staying at his side, since I have no idea where I am or what may be lurking in these woods. However, the light of the moon is making me feel high on life and more like myself than I’ve felt in a long time. This is what the goddess meant for me, and I’m going to make the most of this moment, not knowing when I’ll have the chance to do this again after I return to Haven.

Star weaves around me, her tongue lolling out of the side of her mouth, enjoying this just as much as I am. I laugh breathily at her behaviour as she yips and chases moths that fly into our path.

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