Miracle of the Moon Goddess

12: Fate’s plan

Mother Brown touches my shoulder to make sure I’m okay. When I nod, she continues, “When your mother got pregnant with you, they hoped the danger was over, but they did not fully understand the prophecy, specifically the part about her being in danger.” Mother Brown’s eyes turn white as if searching the back of her mind for the prophecy’s exact words.

“They will find her, only to be in danger of losing her again. First to her oblivion, second to the fear set in all three, and third to the enemy seeking to split them. The kings did not see they would lose her a third time.” A bitter smile forms on Mother Brown’s face.

“The three of them have already suffered so much. All they want is to be together, to have each other. They are still suffering and will do so until you find a way to save them, to save us all. One is waiting patiently as a harbor for lost souls, one using strength to find allies, and one accepting torture for others to survive. Unfortunately, all races living under the eleven shadows need them to take part in Fate’s ruthless plan. It’s what made it possible for us to get you, Daughter of Three Fathers and Twelve Mothers.”

Three fathers? That’s true, in a way. My mother’s mates, Sam and Rory, and the one who brought me up, Terra. But what about twelve mothers? With quick thinking, I can only come up with ten. Mom and the nine slaves volunteered to help show us love when mom couldn’t. There is too much inconsistency in this.

“You said 12 mothers? Who are the last two?” I wonder out loud. Mother Brown must have a theory about this. There must be a reason she thinks I’m the one they want, and I cannot help but try to poke holes in her theory.

“Your mom, Angel, once told us that her god spoke to her. I would guess that’s one of your mothers,” she deduces. “The last one is operating in the shadows. I’ve never met her, but I have spoken to one of her acolytes. I cannot tell you more about her. She cannot reveal herself, and I will not doom her by saying too much.”

The more Mother Brown speaks, the more I feel it’s unreal, like an elaborate joke. At the same time, her words feel true, like she is right in thinking I’m here to save everybody. How I can do such a thing? I’m nothing special. Besides, I’ve got my own problems that I need to be saved from, and now I’m supposed to save everybody?

“But why me? What can I do?” I ask Mother Brown, letting my nervousness shine through my voice.

“You are the glue between the races. You will be the connection between all the mates. You will free us all from the elves’ tyranny with them,” she says. Then I see the white in her eyes again as she searches for the hidden prophetic words in her mind.

“The daughter of Three Fathers and Twelve Mothers will join the races together so that the worlds can once more be in balance. Her mates will come from every race still in existence, from near and afar, but she cannot claim them until the Empire has fallen. “

“What does that even mean?” I ask Mother Brown. “Join the races together? How? By all the mates you are telling me I will have?” My mind is all over the place. It’s not every day you’re told there is a prophecy out there, and people think it’s about you. Not to mention it involves countless numbers of mates, people that I will love. For that is what a mate bond is, a love bond. No matter what happens between the mates, some part of you will always love the other person.

“Yes, correct. You will be the person who binds all the mates together. Some mates will not accept the bond if you are not there to accept them as they are,” she explains, massaging my shoulders.

“But why? Why is it so important that I do this?” I ask.

And why are you so sure it’s me? I want to add, but I’m not brave enough. She sounds so utterly convinced. Remembering the hope on Mother Green’s face when she heard I had seen the moon, I understand that this isn’t only about me. They need this to be true. Studying Mother Brown, I see the same in her; her whole body emanates a hope I’ve never seen before. How can I refuse this level of trust?

“You are the one who will find out how to stop the elves’ tyranny. To do this, you will need people to help you, people you can trust with your life. You will need mates; there is no bond stronger than that. You cannot trust even your siblings with this matter. Only trust your mates that accept the bond. They will know the sacrifice needed to get you where you need to go. They will know about the world and your mission.”

“Sacrifice? What do you mean?” I ask, turning towards her so that she has to look me in the face. My heart skipped a beat when she uttered the word sacrifice. Noticing her grave face, I suddenly understand the words between Bjørnar and Mother Brown. “This is why you weren’t happy for Bjørnar and me? You are afraid I will cause his….” the last word dies on my tongue. The mere thought makes it hard to speak.

“Her mates will know of the dangers and the sacrifices, but they will be blessed by the love and trust they share amongst themselves,” she quotes from the prophecy. This time, a tear escapes her eyes.

“I’m not only afraid of the dangers for my little boy, the only thing I have left after they took me away from my mate. I’m also worried about you and the heartbreak you must endure before these ends.”