The Alpha’s Fated Outcast: Rise Of The Moonsinger

189 The truth of her birth III Miriam .

Its been two weeks since I came back to the Moon Temple with an empty womb and a heart heavier than Id ever known .

The stillness of the temple at all times which used to ground me in such a way I couldnt 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 couldnt 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 Lioras 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 Dianas 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 Im sorry , Mother ! I muttered .

I didnt ask for an apology , she responded , her voice was filled with frustration .

T simply want an explanation as to why youre 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 see around your your eyes ? I opened my mouth , looking for an explanation but no words came out .

Before the silence could become suspicious , Mother Liora intervened .

The little self discovery trip I sent her on must have been harder on her than I thought , she said giving me a reassuring glance .

Its not uncommon for children to go outside this pack and come back looking the same .

Think of all the overly processed food and all … Mother Liora said .

turned to something else but I felt Priestess Diana still looking

on my bed

me anymore , but my body

with the strain of carrying a child that

clutching my

days that followed , I was

the

would instinctively move to cradle the bump that was no longer

bend to pick

catch myself dropping to my knees first just like how

still swollen painfully and hard as stone and still leaking

the midwife had given me to stop it , it still rushed out

, I would pad my breast with several clothes to hide the milk stain and for

and I would have to sneak back to my room

hiding my

needing solitude for prayer , only to sit in the corner of my small room ,

contractions were the worst

and I would gnash my teeth , clamping down on it waiting for the moment to pass

the second month , I started hearing baby cries

when the sound of a crying baby filled my ears

with desperation and judgment

my room , searching the hall for

, I met Priestess Tania

! she held my hand ; she must have seen the wild desperation in them

dear ? Its

are you doing walking about ? My baby ! I murmured

I need to get to her

Tania exhaled , looking sideways to make sure there was no one in the hallway but us

later , she came back with Mother Liora and Priestess

and the endless cries that were ringing in my ears until I eventually drifted into sleep

, I saw Mother Liora sitting at the edge of my bed , staring at

! I murmured pushing

? she asked me

giving her a puzzled expression

here ? She avoided my gaze

Miriam , and you feel guilty but

limit to the excuses

it not to go beyond that ? I drew my knees

You were roaming the hallway last night looking for your baby

priestess Tania who saw

midwife recommended

try

with you but

and Im not sure how long we

… I lowered my gaze , Im sorry ,

Ill do better .

reached out , placing a

a great deal ,

I understand that .