The cursed Moon.
Chapter 21

Moon watched on as Zion placed Reid onto a bed, blood soaked into his clothes, smeared onto herself and Zion from moving him. She needed to speak to Reid, be with him, even if wasnt aware she was by his side. He was hurting, not just physically, but the pain of being betrayed by his mate, that would weigh heavily on him.

“We need a healer, quick!” Zion roared, soon the room was filled with shifters in white checking Reid's vitals, examining his wounds. Moon felt overwhelmed.

“Moon, I will stay with him, you go, find Mena.” Zion placed a hand on her shoulder, bringing her out of her shock.

“I must stay with him Zion, if he dies. You said it yourself, Mena has Ronan, they will take care of each other. He can't die....” Moon couldn't finish, she choked on her words, she wouldn't let that happen.

“I will go find our sister, Moon you know what to do, be with him.” Atlas nodded from the door, and just like he said, it became clear, she knew what to do.

She sat next to the bed, clasping onto Reid's hand. She had to get through to him, she had to tell him to fight, he could beat this. The only way she could do that was to enter his mind, it wasnt something she had not done since Reign, but Reid had taught her how to control it, how she was in control. She couldnt let him down.

Moon closed her eyes, focusing on a safe place, somewhere she and Reid would both feel calm. When she opened them the meadow surrounded her, she could faintly hear the voices of the people on the other side as they worked on Reid.

“Reid!” She called into the air, waiting, hoping for an answer.

“Moon?” She spun and saw him standing behind her, his face one of agonizing sadness.

“How could she do this to me?” He asked in desperation.

“I don't know how anyone could do what she has done. Oh Reid, I am so sorry.” she answered as she threw her arms around him.

“I loved her, I had no choice in that. Why did she choose her for me, she knew better then anyone who she was.” He pleaded with her, but she didn't know the answer.

“I can't answer that Reid, I am only half a being, the physical side. Ria made this choice, not me, I would never choose this for you.” She said with sympathy.

“Tell him it was the only way, tell him I am sorry, this needed to happen.” Moon heard the voice as a whisper as the breeze passed her ear, she recognized it as if it were her own.

“You tell him yourself, he deserves to hear it from you.” Moon demanded.

“Moon I know you are angered with me, but he cannot see me, hear me. I can help him, you can help him, please tell him.” Rias voice whispered once more.

“The Moon goddess says she is sorry, that it was this was the only way.” Moon relayed the words to Reid.

“Only way for what?” Reid asked, the pain never faltering from his face.

Another breeze stirred in the meadow, Moon silently listening to the whisper of the wind.

“She said there is only one path, one out of many. This is the only path we must follow if we are to win the battle ahead.” Moon explained.

“Win?? I have already lost, I don't want to come back, I know what will happen. I will go mad, my mate not only rejected me, she wanted me dead, it is over for me, I've accepted it, so should you.” Reid explained.

“There has to be another way, another mate.” Moon said with a rushed voice.

“I know that to be impossible, no one gets a second chance. Even so, I am dying, let me die. I cannot live a whole life without the other half of me, no matter how bad that half was. ” Reid answered.

“Moon....Reid how did I get here??” Mena's voice rung out in the meadow, her conciseness appearing behind Reid.

“Mena, oh Mena no, not you, you can't be here. Ronan, he was supposed to protect you.” Moon gasped.

“He did his best. Dean betrayed us, Luke is dead, why are we in the meadow?” Mena asked taking in her former home around her.

"This is the other side, the plain between plains, you are dying Mena." Moon tried to explain between tears.

"Can you do anything, I am not ready, you need me, I need you." Mena questioned desperately.

Moon sighed heavy, the whisper on the breeze still speaking to her.

“Anthora, she keeps saying anthora.” Moon said confused.

“What like the flower?” Mena asked.

“It's a flower? Do you know what it looks like Mena?” Moon begged in desperation.

“It's yellow, there's some growing in the pack gardens. Apollo will know which one, why?” Mena asked in confusion.

“It's the cure, it's the cure for wolfs bane. Hold on, you both have to keep fighting, just awhile longer. I will save you, I swear it.” Moon said as she retreated into the darkness.

••••••

Ronan carried Mena's limp body into the pack doctors, kicking the door in, refusing to put her down.

“Help, I need help!” He yelled through the corridor.

“Ronan, what happened?” Atlas appeared in front of him, taking in Mena's blood covered frame, his pain immediately evident.

“Atlas she is dying.” Ronan said with suffering.

“We won't let that happen.” Atlas said as he tried to take his sister from his grasp.

“No!” Ronan growled.

“Ok Ronan, ok. You need to let them help her though.” Atlas spoke calmly as he gestured to the healers behind him.

Ronan followed them into a room, setting her down on the bed, watching on protectively as the healers went to work.

“Ronan, she is going to be ok.” Moon appeared at the door.

“I tried, I tried to save her, she saved me.” Ronan's face was pained.

“She will not die, I promise you. Atlas, where is Apollo?” Moon asked.

“Outside waiting for news, did you see what you needed?” he asked.

“I did, there's a cure.” Moon answered with relief as she rushed from the room.

The healers stabilized Mena, bracing the two men for the worse, they had seen the effects of wolfsbane many times, to them she was already marked for death.

Ronan and Atlas sat on either side of her, all they could do now was wait.

Ronan sat quietly, clasping his hands together, his face laced with anger, regret. How could he let this happen, if he had just told Mena the truth, about his suspicions of Dean, how he had been following him, about how he felt for her. This was his fault, her blood was on his hands in every way.

“You care about her?” Atlas spoke softly.

“Is that so hard to believe?” Ronan replied.

“And you understand why?” Atlas asked.

“Does there need to be a reason? She is more me than any of you, it doesn't have to mean anything other than that.” Ronan spoke as he sat forward.

“You're in denial?” Atlas countered gently.

“About what?” Ronan asked, annoyed.

“Not denial then, refusal.” Atlas spoke once more.

“I don't like riddles, and now is not the time to play with me.” Ronan seethed.

“You can't fight it forever, now is the time to admit what you have been denying since you met her. You can help her survive this.” Atlas pushed once more.

“Leave it be Atlas, I failed her already. This is your final warning.” Ronan growled.

The two sat in silence as the tension filled the surrounding air. Atlas wanted an admission, he wouldn't get it, Ronan wouldn't even admit it to himself.

“She shifted?” Atlas asked in surprise.

“Stay out of my head.” Ronan growled.

“You know how shifting works, your an elder, are you ignoring the fact that females shift while forming a bond with their mate. That's how it happens, but you knew that already.” Atlas asked.

"Your opinion, its unwanted, believe it or not there are things you neither know or understand.” Ronan replied as he stood and stomped from the room, brushing past Reign, who had just arrived from the gardens.

“He is taking it harder then I thought, is he going to be ok?” Reign asked from the door, a cup of yellow liquid in her hand.

“Is he ever okay? Is that for Mena?” Atlas asked as he gestured to the mug in her hands.

“It is. Apollo made the flower into a tea, I hope it works, it has to work” Reign said as she approached Mena, carefully pouring the concoction into her mouth.

“I am sure it will.” Atlas said as he pulled her into him tight.

“What else we can we do?” Reign asked with concern.

“Get Ronan, tell him I have left, she needs him more.” Atlas replied.

“How could she need him more than you, your her brother Atlas?” Reign said as she looked up at his eyes.

“Because he is her mate.” Atlas sighed as he gave Mena one last look retreating from the room.

••••••

Moon studied Reid looking for any change in his condition. She hadn't left since she poured the tea into his mouth, it had been hours. His color was coming back, his breathing was even, he was healing, she had done it, she had cured them.

“How is our patient?” An unfamiliar shifter appeared at the door, her voice friendly, her face soft.

“He appears to be improving, but I cant be sure.” Moon commented as she watched the woman check his vitals.

“It would appear you are correct, he is healing quickly.” she said with a smile. Moon liked her, she felt warm like Reign.

"He is? That is a relief." Moon replied.

“Well my name is Lilith, and you are Moon. It's a pleasure to meet you, I am sorry it is under these circumstances.” She replied.

“The pleasure is mine. Are you from this pack? I haven't seen you before.” Moon was intrigued by her, there was something different about her.

“I am now, I have been since Zion rescued some of my pack, Reign's pack.” The woman answered.

“You are from Reigns pack? I am saddened for you, I know what happened there. You feel like Reign too, it's a very good thing.” Moon realized she may sound odd to this shifter, she blamed lack of sleep, and hours of crying.

“So you are a doctor?” Moon asked.

“A healer.” Lilith replied.

“You have a gift?” Moon asked in awe.

“I do, not quite as great as yours, but good all the same.” she replied as she moved her hands over Reid's wounds, closing them with just her touch.

“Unfortunately, wolfsbane blocks my power once it's in the system. Lucky for Reid, for numerous shifters, you found a cure. I lost my mate to wolfsbane I tried for days in vain to heal him with no success.” Lilith continued.

“I can't imagine.” Moon said with sympathy.

“At least mine didn't try to kill me, it defies our very nature.” Lilith said as she cleaned the blood from Reid's face.

“I have a feeling Reid will get a second chance, he has too.” Moon replied.

“Wouldn't that be wonderful.” Lilith commented.

“Yes, I believe it will be.” Moon smiled.

••••••

“Ronan...” Mena gasped as she opened her eyes.

“I am here.” Ronan assured her as he gripped her hand, she felt fuzzy, hazy, his touch brung clarity.

“I am alive?” She asked in relief, checking her wound.

“You are, luckily.” he replied.

“You were right, Dean….” She whispered.

“I don't take pleasure in it, he very nearly killed you.” Ronan said.

“How did I get here?” Mena asked as she sat in her bed, taking in the very plain room around he

“I carried you, Mena you saved my life, I wasn't going to leave you to die.” He answered.

“Reid? Is he going to make it?” Mena asked.

“He is, Moon is with him, he is going to be in alot of pain when he wakes, for more reasons then one.” Ronan answered.

He stared at her with an intensity, relieved at her awakening. Is it possible he cared for her?

“You're awake, good. Moon sent me to check on you. I'm Lilith. I closed your wound while you were sleeping. How are you feeling?” They were interupted by the healers voices as she entered and checked Mena's pulse.

“Strangely ok for being near death, although the tingling is something new.” Mena answered.

“Tingling, where?” Lilith asked.

“I'm sure it's nothing.” Ronan assured her, letting go of her hand.

“Well your observations look good, all going well you can leave this time tomorrow.” Lilith said brightly.

“And Reid?” Mena asked with concern.

“He is recovering. He still hasn't woken, but everything looks fine. You've been through quite an ordeal Mena, you should rest.” she answered lightly before leaving the room.

“You heard the woman, rest.” Ronan said.

“You should know enough about me to know that I am not one to follow orders." Mena said as she swung her legs off the side of the bed.

“Mena you nearly died out there.” Ronan warned.

“Wouldn't be the first time, and it most definitely won't be the last. Of all people I did not think you would be the one to coddle me.” She answered as she slowly rose to her feet.

“See I am perfectly fine.” Mena said as she took a defiant wobbly step.

“Who are you trying to convince huntress.” Ronan said as he stood, grabbing on to her as she stumbled into his arms.

“Its back.” Mena exclaimed.

“What is?” Ronan asked, his breath hot against her skin.

“The tingles, they are back, they seem to be spreading.” Mena said with surprise.

“Probably just a side effect from the anthora.” he said as he settled her back on the bed, pulling the covers back over her as she settled in.

“It doesn't hurt, it feels kind of..... pleasant.” she said as she lay back on the pillow.

“Pleasant? I didn't know you had such positive words in your vocabulary.” Ronan laughed as he settled back into his seat.

“Weird right, I certainly didn't learn it from you.” She said with a yawn.

“Mena, you will be the death of me.” he whispered as her eyes closed.

“I saved your life remember.” she replied sleepily.

“I remember.” he answered as she drifted into sleep.

Ronan watched her, his conversation with Atlas playing in his mind. She felt it when she first touched him, at Atlas's house. He saw it, she jumped back, released him. He felt it too, but just like her, he refused to acknowledge it, he knew what it was, the mate bond. He had decided then that he would refuse it, he had never had a weakness before, she would not be his weakness.

He saw what it had done to Zion, it consumed him, softened him. He shouldn't have a mate, it wasn't part of his plans. Why did the Moon goddess do this to him? She sent him here for one thing, to destroy Titus, not for this, a mate was never part of the deal. He needed answers, he needed them now, he knew exactly where he could get them.

He stood, now determined to deny this so called gift, he hadn't asked for it, he knew it would effect his edge in battle. He left Mena sleeping soundly, and stalked down the hall to Reids room.

“Moon?” Ronan questioned as he entered.

Her eyes looked up from Reid and met his, she looked exhausted. Her eyes were puffed from crying for countless hours, she was fragile, but he needed her.

“Ronan, how is she?” Moon asked.

“She is sleeping. Why is she so stubborn?” Ronan asked.

“Why are you?” Moon countered.

“You have a point.” Ronan replied.

“Moon I need to see Ria.” he said with haste.

“You understand that is not how it works? I can't just make her appear.” Moon explained.

“I know how it works, give me your hand.” Ronan demanded.

“Ronan? Wh.....” Moon's voice cut out as he forced her hand in his, she was pulled into the light once more, emerging hand in hand with Ronan in the meadow.

“Ronan how did you know to do that?” Moon asked.

“No time to explain now Moon.” he said as he moved through the grass.

“Ria! Ria! I know you are here! We need to talk!” he called loudly.

Moon watched with curiosity, either Ronan was a mad man, which was very possible, or he wasn't as honest as he had led them to believe.

“Ronan.” Moon heard Rias voice as the breeze stirred, she glided effortlessly towards them.

“You know why I am here, you gave me a mate bond, I don't want it. You created me for one reason, she will be a distraction.” Ronan demanded.

“She is not a distraction Ronan, she is your comrade, your destiny, if you choose it.” Ria replied.

“I am sorry to interrupt, but can someone explain to me what is going on here?” Moon asked.

“Isn't it obvious Moon? I am an elder, older than Reid. I am an original being, just as Freya was. Ria made me with her own hands, for one purpose and one purpose alone, to destroy her brother. She knew Moon, she knew what he would do to us, all of us, I merely exist to prevent it.” Ronan explained.

“Ria?” Moon asked with confusion.

“Ronan I created you with the same love, the same care, that I created Freya with. She was beauty, light, the feminine. You are rugged, dark, the masculine. You weren't just created to kill Titus, you are the balance Ronan. Duality is key in creation, just as Freya had darkness in her, you have light in you.” Ria explained.

“So I got all the drags of being your creation with no reward? Without the abilities, without power. I was fine with that, but now you bestow me a mate? I don't need her Ria, take it back.” Ronan growled.

“You need a mate.” Moon spoke.

“I don't need anybody.” Ronan countered.

“Ronan my power, it was non-existent, not until Zion came. Atlas noticed his change when he found Reign. You can be more, you just need to accept her.” Moon explained.

“I am enough without her!” Ronan roared.

“Come Moon, we are going, I don't need power, you have it.” Ronan said with anger as he tried to drag Moon back.

“No, I am not leaving until you face the truth.” Moon stood firm.

“Fine! Why Ria? Why now, why leave me alone for all that time in the cold? Why do I need her now?” He asked with rage.

“Because it was your time, she will fight for you, with you. Your love for each other is vital, you two together, it must happen, there is only one path, choose wisely.” Ria spoke softly.

“Only one path for what?” Ronan asked.

“There is only one path where we defeat Titus, and for you, she is on that” Moon said.

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