The Alpha's Fated Outcast: Rise Of The Moonsinger by Ejiofor Dorcas

169 The Trance I

Miriam (07

I would not let Jeremy’s bitterness and hatred tear me apart. I have spent too long living with regret, but Lyla’s future was still unwritten. I would fight for my daughter’s happiness no matter what it took.

It was already evening, and I headed towards the bonfire area, where many young people were gathered. When I reached there, I spotted Lyla and Nathan laughing together near the flames.

Lyla’s face lit up with joy as she spoke, her hands gesturing animatedly – Clarissa was there too and Nathan watched her with a soft smile, his eyes filled with adoration.

For a moment, my heart swelled with pride and hope. Maybe Jeremy was wrong. Maybe Lyla and Nathan could find happiness together despite everything.

But then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a figure standing in the shadows, watching two of them.

It was Ramsey.

My heart sank as I watched the way his eyes followed Lyla, filled with a mixture of longing and

SOTTOW.

I knew then that Jeremy’s fears weren’t entirely unfounded.

Secrets and old wounds had a way of resurfacing, and the past was never truly buried.

As I watched, the young people talking around the fire, Terra’s words and Jeremy’s words took turns flitting into my mind. While Terra’s words filled me with guilt and defiance, Jeremy’s words. scared the shit out of me.

I couldn’t imagine, Lyla going through another phase of heartbreak. The mere thought of it breaks my heart. I just lingered at the edge of the clearing where the bonfire was watching them since I didn’t know what to do.

From the corner of my eyes, I caught sight of a Blue Ridge delegation. I know because he was wearing the pack’s plaid. But something was different.

This time, a chill ran down my spine as I watched the figure moving towards Lyla and Nathan- someone I hadn’t seen before.

The man’s presence was subtle, almost too subtle, but my instincts screamed at me to pay attention. I couldn’t place him, but something about him felt…wrong.

Before I could dwell on it further, a soft voice broke through my thoughts..

“Miriam.”

turned to see Terra approaching me with a serious

I

didn’t flinch. “You need to be careful,” she said quietly. “The Harvest Moon has a way of revealing truths – whether we’re ready for them or not.”

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face neutral. “I know what

said. “For Lyla’s sake, and

why I’m still being polite to you is because you’re my friend but you should know your boundaries. Stop meddling, I don’t appreciate it.” Terra stared at

is that? To gloat that Jemima is a better replacement for me or what? Tell

“It’s

turned to her, trying not to show the fear that crept into my heart at the information. “What’s wrong with her?”

because a high priestess needs to open the Harvest Moon Festival. They’ve tried everything they can but she’s not responding. So, they need

early hours of today flitting into my mind. If the dream would come true… the chances of Mother Liora waking up from the trance was tiny. But I couldn’t voice that out. Each High priestess

of Jemima?” I

these are delicate times, the Priestesses have all agreed that

my head. “I’m not ready

want us to cancel the Harvest Moon? The moon will be up anytime soon and we aren’t even ready. For once in your life, can you just do as you’re told? You’re driving me

I stared at her retreating back, sighing deeply. Remembering the strange man I saw,

was gazing intently

he wanted to give me an earful which I’ve managed to avoid since I arrived at

walk away when I noticed someone was standing directly behind. me. I froze

169 The Trance

standing directly behind. me. I froze when I realized it was that strange man I had seen earlier. Up close, his face was hooded but he had this weird energy about him.

him to realise that his ominous presence was affecting me, I made to brush past him when his hands shot out and grabbed my arm pulling me back. I staggered backwards; my lips pressed into a thin

the heck is that

will you choose, Miriam? the man said quietly. His

to hear

glaring at him. “Who are you and what makes you

touch me?”

“I ask you again,” the man said. “Who will you

what he could possibly mean but I decided

miss out on? You’ve always hated to be confined… would you want to spend your life confined in the walls of that temple –