The Rise of Lunar's Light (The Story Before Mateless)

Tim’s Pov:

The comfort of an actual bed was a pleasant change from sleeping on the ground like a wild animal. The day’s activities seemed daunting. We were about to choose the Gamma from the Amazon’s tribe. It was my hope there would be no more uprising from them. As Reha was the favorite to take up her sister’s throne.

Obviously, Eferhild, the younger sister of Guinevere, was also favored to lead the Amazons. They were stuck in their traditions.

It was Hellena who rallied them to honor the mate bond, as wolves do. She was the one who realized the power in aligning with not only us, but the witches as well. My fear was there was none left among the Amazons as strong as Hellena.

The new wolves were to arrive later this evening, after the Amazonian games. The transition from rogue to pack has never been easy, therefore, so few ever came back from being an outcast. Yet nearly 300 were asked to do so.

Naturally, I asked if any members from Shadow’s Light were to be rescued from their fate. Unfortunately, none were. They still needed to play a role within the ranks of the wilds.

The first matter on my agenda was to look at the defenses of the isle which we now call home. Amethyst stated ships could still see it. If this was the case, we were far from safe.

“You know the Goddesses have a plan for this, don’t you Timothy?” the small voice giggled. A smile crept across my face at little Amethyst. Her presence did not go unnoticed as she followed me, watching me with great curiosity.

“Shouldn’t you be with Gretchen? You are still the child of a servant, are you not?” I asked, trying to hide the smile plastered on my face. “I may be a servant’s child, but I am not,” she hissed. Apparently, I hit a nerve.

“I am to be trained to be the Priestess of the Moon,” she boasted with childlike innocence. “One of many girls, Amethyst. And of those, they do not consider many of them weak blood,” I pointed out.

“My ancestors’ powers were all saved for me,” she stated in a matter-of-fact tone. “They served as servants, so I would be strong. I’ve witnessed their struggles. I appreciate what I’ve received, even if the Goddesses themselves did not know it,” Amethyst smiled. Pride danced in her eyes. “Sometimes I forget you are only 4,” I laughed, glancing at my little counterpart.

“Only my body,” she giggled. “My mind is, well, I am almost as old as you are, Tim,” she teased. “Aren’t you coming, Alpha?” Amethyst asked, stopping to face me. There was something about the way she said Alpha, which left me unsettled.

“The games are to start soon. I assume you want to be there when your Gamma is victorious,” she said. I glanced at the sky. ‘What time is it?’ I muttered to myself.

“It’s later than you think. You need to hurry. As the Goddesses will not be happy if you are late,” Amethyst scolded. I sighed, picking the child up and carrying her to where the games were going to be held. What has my life become? Now I was being chastised by a child no older than four.

Amethyst curled into my shoulder as we reached where the games were to be held. The Girl took notice of our presence and cast me a questioning glare. Although I was not entirely sure why. As much as I didn’t want to admit it, this small child was growing on me.

“Eferhild, come forth,” the Girl hissed, causing all those in attendance to wince. Eferhild held her head high as she approached the Goddess. “Do you know why I called you forth?” the Girl demanded. Eferhild kneeled as shame and hurt crossed her face.

My heart hammered against my chest. Something about this wasn’t right. Amethyst raised her head from my shoulder. Her eyes burned into me intently. Unable to resist the urge, my eyes met little Thyst’s gaze. Her eyes question my reaction to the events unfolding before us. A glint of realization entered her eyes before she pulled her gaze from mine and returned her small head to its place on my shoulder.

“Yes, Goddess. My sister Guinevere defied your plan. She risked everything and, worse yet, she refused you as her goddess when you punished her for her actions. You cursed her bloodline. Because I am her only blood, therefore, I and my descendants shall be cursed, until such time as you see fit. Our blood will no longer be Guardians,” Eferhild stated.

“This is the will of your Goddesses; do you accept this?” the Woman asked. “I accept the Judgement of the Goddesses and I accept the curse of my sister,” Eferhild stated, blinking back tears. My heart went out to her. Even from here, I could sense her pain.

“Then rise, Eferhild. And accept your curse,” the Girl demanded. Eferhild slowly stood, locking eyes with the Girl. Once more, she held her head high. “For accepting this curse Eferhild, you show your loyalty to your Goddesses. For this, I will not banish you. You will remain here with your kind and your sisters, but your offspring will not be our chosen. You will lose your wolf and all who carry your blood will remain wolf-less. This is your sister’s curse,” the Girl announced. Eferhild hung her head with shame as she walked to join the lower-class warriors.

Much to my displeasure, mother called me forth with a now sleeping Amethyst snuggled in my arms. “You must start the games,” mother demanded, knowing I hated these barbaric tournaments.

I placed a hand over the sleeping child’s ears so as not to wake her. I bellowed, “To my dear Amazonian warriors, yesterday’s loss was one that was felt by all. Today we celebrate their gift by choosing a new leader amongst your people. But we are not forgoing tradition, we are forging a new one.” To my astonishment, the Amazons cheered as I never heard before.

Amethyst shifted in my arms, grabbing my attention. She was far too young to see this much violence. I searched for a place to sit and watch the event. I hopelessly tried to show interest in each battle, as any Amazonian would.

“That child seems to have taken a liking to you,” Gretchen scoffed before conjuring our thrones for us to sit in. As I studied Gretchen’s expression, there was something in her words and in the tone she used, which didn’t sit well.

“Am I to take it you are against Thyst learning from you?” I retorted with the same hostility. “I shall do what the Goddesses ask of me. It is my duty to them. Although I do not sense the same power in her as they seem to,” she stated dryly.

“And I think you underestimate Thyst, which is not a wise choice,” I grumbled, stroking the sleeping child’s hair. “You think so, child of the Goddess?” Gretchen laughed.

“You’re just jealous of a four-year-old who performed magic, which even you, the mighty High Priestess, have never done before,” I pointed out.

Clearly, I struck a chord within Gretchen. Because a sour expression crested her face as she turned her nose up at me. She folded her arms against her chest and crossed her legs away from me. Gretchen’s behavior was most amusing and all because of a small child.

“Come now Gretchen, just because you’d rather be the one sitting on Timothy’s lap, doesn’t mean you can take your hostilities out on a small child,” Olympia teased. Evidently, she overheard our conversation even though she was in the heat of battle.

I glanced at Gretchen, who was turning several shades of red. Olympia winked before beating yet another Amazon. Cheering erupted from those that were bested or could not take part in the games.

They seemed to support Olympia. Many other women who were still in the games took notice of the crowd’s approval of her. Although some still challenged her, many more bowed, showing they accepted her as their General.

“I think we have a winner,” the Girl smiled wickedly. “Was there ever a doubt?” Amethyst yawned, opening her eyes. The Girl shot Amethyst a look before walking off to crown Olympia as the Gamma and General of the Amazons.

“Today, the blade and tribe have spoken. Olympia, you have not only proven yourself worthy of being the first Gamma, you proved you can lead the Amazons into this new era. Take your place,” the Girl bellowed.

Olympia bowed her head, which was still covered with fresh blood, as she took her place on my left. Even though I have known her for a while, her height still took me by surprise.

Olympia was almost six feet tall, and well-built for a female. Her striking silver eyes showed she was a favorite of the Goddess. And her complexion was a beautiful olive tone. But the most stunning thing about Olympia was she had the same striking auburn hair as the Girl which perfectly framed her face.

The mischievousness in her smile was contagious. I couldn’t help but smile back. Olympia’s eyes darted to Amethyst for a moment.

But the sound of wild howls broke the joyous atmosphere. “They’re here,” Amethyst beamed, looking up at me.