Sebastian POV
I watch her, my heart pounding as I wait for a sign. Emotions flood her face–confusion, fear, pain. Then her eyes snap open, wide with realization, and tears fall freely.
“I remember,” she whispers, her voice trembling. “He said he loved me. He told me to focus… to find my wolf.” She looks at me, her expression a mix of awe and sorrow. “He said… I’m the Queen Goddess?”
The words hit me like a thunderclap. My mind reels, trying to comprehend. The Queen Goddess? That would make her… above all other deities. Above the Moon Goddess. How? She looks at me like she wants me to explain.
“I’ll explain soon,” I promise, my voice steady despite the storm inside me. “What happened to him after he told you? Where did he go?”
“His dad came in,” she says, her voice breaking again. “He was shouting at Dolton for telling me. Dolton begged him not to make me forget. He was screaming for me to remember as they dragged him away.”
Her tears flow harder, and I pull her close, my mind spinning. The Queen Goddess. The implications are staggering, but right now, she needs comfort. I hold her until her breathing slows, her exhaustion pulling her into sleep.
As she rests, I sit beside her, my mind racing. If she truly is the Queen Goddess, everything is about to change- for her, for me, for all of us.
I sit, the weight of her revelation pressing heavily on my mind. My thoughts churn like a storm–tossed sea, unable to settle. How can she be the Queen Goddess? That title outranks even the Moon Goddess. How? My eyes remain fixed on her, my mind racing as I try to piece it together, but the truth feels elusive, like trying to grasp mist with my hands.
The Moon Goddess, revered by werewolves and lycans alike, grants them their wolves, blessings, and curses. Each species has its own deity–the water goddess bestows gifts to the Merfolk, Askilouna reigns over dragons, and so on. These goddesses are powerful in their domains, each a cornerstone of their respective races. But the Queen Goddess? She outranks them all. She is said to rule over everything, her power infinite and unparalleled. And yet, somehow, that title now rests on Celine. It feels impossible, and yet, here she is, sitting before me. My gaze keeps drifting back to her, drawn by an invisible force I can’t resist. How can it be her?
She shifts, waking slightly, and breaks the silence, her voice soft, tentative. “I can feel your wolf’s heart,” she murmurs, her hand pressing lightly against her chest. Her words take me by surprise, yet they ignite a warmth within me.
A smile tugs at my lips despite the storm in my thoughts. “Helios,” I say, addressing my dragon, “just ignore him for now.” My tone is light, but inwardly, I am carefully weighing every word, every reaction. She doesn’t realize the truth yet, doesn’t know I am not a wolf. I don’t want to frighten her or risk hier running from me. Helios is powerful, and dragons are not creatures easily understood by others. She has so much to learn.
I realize, as I look at her, that she has no idea what she truly is. “Celine,” I begin cautiously, “do you know who I am? Other than what I told you?”
Her head shakes, and I see the flicker of curiosity and apprehension in her eyes. I could show her, I think, but the idea feels reckless. To shift into Helios now, to reveal my true form, might overwhelm her. It’s not a risk I’m willing to take–not yet. Instead, I choose my words carefully.
“I’m not a werewolf, Celine,” I admit, my voice gentle but arm. Her eyes widen, her surprise genuine and immediate. “I’m a dragon.”
1/2
The room, warm and dimly lit, seems to grow quieter, as if even the fire cracking in the stone hearth holds its breath. Her gaze searches mine, confusion flickering like the shadows dancing on the wooden walls.
“I don’t see your wings,” she says, her brow furrowing as she tilts her head slightly. The innocence of her question tugs at my heart, and I can’t help but chuckle softly.
“I need to shift to have wings,” I explain, leaning back slightly but keeping my eyes on her. “This is my h form. I can shift into my dragon, Helios, when I choose.”
Her lips part slightly, as if she’s about to say something, but she hesitates, processing “You’re the King of werewolves?” she asks finally, her voice uncertain.
I shake my head slowly. “No,” I reply, my tone even, “I’m not. I hold no place in the werewolf kingdom of course, the king of werewolves speaks to me I’d be hard to ignore–but I have no power there. In the dragon kingdom, however…” I trail off, letting the weight of my words settle.
Her expression shifts as she stares at me, absorbing the truth. “Dragons?” she whispers, and my head nods quickly in confirmation.
“Yes,” I say simply. The moment hangs between us, heavy with unspoken questions.
Her mouth opens again, and I see the flood of thoughts in her eyes. Before she can speak, I gently press my hand to her lips, silencing her. “You need to sleep and rest,” I say softly, my tone firm but kind. “If you have questions you can ask them when you wake.”
I can see the exhaustion etched into her features, the toll of everything she’s learned and remembered. She nods reluctantly and glances around the room–a simple yet sturdy tent. The bed, where she now rests, is draped in soft furs. Outside, the forest looms, its dense canopy of trees sheltering us from the world.
“I’ll stay with you,” I promise, my voice steady as I meet her gaze. “I’ll keep you safe.” 1 pull her closer, holding her against me as she lets out a small sigh and relaxes into my embrace. Her warmth is a balm to my own racing thoughts. I know that her comfort now is only because of the bond we share. Without it, she might not even near her.
I watch as her breathing evens out, her body softening in sleep. Her trust, tentative as it is, feels like a fragile thread connecting us. I sit quietly, staring into the fire as its embers glow softly, casting a warm light on her peaceful face. My mind churns, grappling with the enormity of what she might be.
The Queen Goddess. If it’s true, her very existence will change everything–not just for her, but for all of us. The Moon Goddess, Askilouna, and the other deities–none of them can rival the Queen Goddess. Yet Celine doesn even realize the depth of her power, her importance.
I glance down at her sleeping form and tighten my hold. She has no idea what she truly is, but I do. And I will protect her, no matter the cost.
