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

189 The truth of her birth III

Miriam.

It’s been two weeks since I came back to the Moon Temple with an empty womb and a heart heavier than I’d ever known.

The stillness of the temple at all times which used to ground me in such a way I couldn’t understand, broken occasionally only by the soft rustling of robes or the distant chant of prayers had now become a prison to me.

I was the secret, trapped in a prison and the only people who knew were my wet pillow each night and my conscience. I couldn’t believe I was a mom – well a half–mom actually but that experience changed my life in ways I never expected.

Each day felt heavier than the last – my belly was still round and protruded. I was still too tired from carrying another human for nine months and still forced to get on with my life like nothing just happened.

Of course, no one noticed since I returned in Spring and we were always at our busiest at this time of the year because a lot of special flowers, herbs and seeds are found at this time. I simply went out of my way and kept myself away from unnecessary interactions.

Except for Terra my bosom friend, Mother Liora and the other priestesses who were Mother Liora’s closest friends no one else knew.

For instance, at the morning Assembly today when I was asked to lead the e prayers, had recited a ritual prayer instead of the prayers designed to kickstart our day. Superior Priestess Diana’s eyes had narrowed on me as she assessed me from head to

toe.

“Miriam,” she called out coldly. “You look… different. Sluggish in your movements, forgetful and fat. Is there something you wish to share?”

My breath caught in my throat, my heart pounding in panic as I tugged at my uniform, stretching the already–stretched fabric. The pregnancy had made me add a lot of” weight on my hips and chest.

Although the midwife had prepared a special routine for me to follow to lose the baby fat, she had told me it was a gradual process. Everyone was staring at me in the hall, especially Jemimah who had a smirk on her face.

“Miriam?” she called out impatiently again.

15

189 The truth of her birth

sorry, Mother!”

looking out of place from all the girls in the temple. Your uniform is too tight, your face is round and are those dark circles I

your eyes?”

mouth, looking for an explanation but no words came out. Before the silence could become

I thought,” she said giving me a reassuring glance. “It’s not uncommon for

and all…” Mother

the conversation turned to something else but I felt Priestess Diana still

My baby wasn’t inside me anymore, but my body hadn’t accepted that truth yet. My belly was still soft and rounded and my muscles still ached with the strain of carrying a child that was no longer there. I turned onto my side, clutching my blanket tightly

longer there. Most times when I bend to pick something up. I would catch myself dropping to my knees first just like how it

and hard as stone and still leaking milk. Despite all the herbs the midwife had given me to stop it, it still rushed out. Every morning, I would pad my breast with several clothes to hide the milk stain and for the entire day, I would be conscious of

would have to sneak back to my room and nurse my swollen breasts. I became an expert at hiding my tears and my pain. I would excuse myself under the pretence of needing solitude for prayer, only to sit in the corner of my small room, rocking myself and sobbing

carrying out my duties, my womb would squeeze in pain and I would gnash my teeth,

month, I started hearing baby

25

C

truth of her

10

baby filled my ears. It was filled with desperation and judgment. I stumbled out of my room, searching the

she held my hand; she must have seen the wild desperation in them. “What’s wrong

her hold. “She’s crying,

sideways to make sure there was no one in the hallway but us.

Mother Liora and Priestess

into sleep. When I woke the next morning, I saw Mother Liora sitting at the edge of my bed,

I murmured pushing myself

feel?” she asked me, touching

her a puzzled

will be exposed. There’s a limit to the excuses I can give for

under my chin. “What did I do again,