"Greatest punishment? Do you hate them that much?" The White Witch was so curious about her answer.
The Moon Goddess looked at her surroundings, reminiscing about the past. After a while, she shook her head and said, "I don't hate them… it's just that I love Selene more than anyone else. She didn't deserve their betrayal. She was the most selfless wolf I have known among my children. She was the kindest of them all."
"She didn't deserve the injustice and unfairness she received in this world. I even failed to protect her… and she always showed me how much she could do and sacrifice for her loved ones. I admired her the most." There was a subtle smile on the Moon Goddess's face as she thought about Selene.
"The only regret I had is that I didn't teach her to fight for herself. She was always considerate of others… rather than herself." Moon Goddess shared her sentiments with the White Witch.
Riemc, the White Witch, could only listen to her.
"But for me… Stella is not only the greatest punishment for them. I am also hoping that she will be their salvation. I hope Dominique and Serena would reflect and repent of what they had done in the past. I'm not giving up on them."
The White Witch bobbed her head. "Now, I understand. I thought you were fond of Kira, the Vampire King… the former King of Kingdom Phantasia. I was wrong. It has always been Selene."
The Moon Goddess didn't deny it. It had always been Selene. She got involved because of her. She could no longer turn a blind eye. She could no longer stay silent.
"I tried to protect Kira on Selene's behalf. I punished Dominique and Serena for not letting them have and bear children for a long time. And when I allowed them, I took Stella away from them… I sent her to the human world. I pretended to be a human…"
After saying those words, the Moon Goddess transformed into an old woman. The White Witch was surprised by this revelation.
"So you disappeared and stayed hidden for a long time… because you lived in the human world?" The White Witch asked the Moon Goddess in disbelief.
The Moon Goddess smiled and nodded her head to confirm it. "Yes. I lived as Brianna…"
Marceline would be surprised once she learned the truth that the Moon Goddess had been staying by her side and watching over her as she grew up. She lived as Aunt Brianna aka Aunt Bri.
"When are you going to tell all this to Stella?"
"When the right time comes. For now, I want her to focus on her mission of bringing peace back to this Kingdom," The Moon Goddess said meaningfully.
"Why don't you just do it yourself, Moon Goddess? I believe all the creatures will listen to you. You are the most powerful goddess in this world. There is no way they will disobey you. One word from you… and everyone will follow." Riemc made a suggestion.
The Moon Goddess let out a soft giggle. "There are things I am allowed to do and there are things that I am forbidden to do. If I use my power in that way, then vampires, werewolves, witches, and other creatures will appear like my puppets, not my own sons and daughters. You and others have free will to do what you want. I will not control you… Everyone has a choice of their own. I hope you understand this… Riemc."
The White Witch heaved a sigh of defeat. "Yes. I understand. By the way, Moon Goddess, Princess Stella wanted to pass a message. She wanted to see you. She seemed troubled these past few days and she wanted to talk to you."
"Don't worry about her. I will meet her soon. But for now, I have to do something. I think someone is in trouble again. And Stella will not be able to perform well without him." The Moon Goddess glanced at her moon fairy. Someone informed her about what was happening in the Land of the humans. Something big happened there. And a certain someone needed her help.
"What do you mean by that?" The White Witch couldn't figure out what was on her mind.
"It's nothing." The Moon Goddess gazed up, looking at the sky. "Riemc, you have to prepare yourself. There might be a blood moon coming soon."
"Huh? I thought you didn't want the war to happen. Why are you saying there will be a blood moon? It means death and bloodshed right?" The White Witch had so many questions.
"I think… bloodshed is inevitable. But I hope that it will not be severe as compared to the past battles among the different clans." The Moon Goddess had a hopeful look in her eyes. "I wish… Princess Stella will be able to stop it… to save many lives."
"Please help her…" The Moon Goddess requested.
The White Witch would never refuse such a request. "Just leave it to me, our Moon Goddess. I will extend whatever support I can give her."
*****
Meanwhile, Marceline, Lyca, Dylan, and Little Lowell already returned to the castle. Marceline was still thinking about Lowell's origin and his real parents.
Lowell was sleeping in her arms. The three of them just rode Dylan's back as they traveled back to the castle.
For some unknown reason, she wanted to be his mother. She felt sorry for him. Little Lowell got separated from his parents at a young age.
"From now on, I will take care of you, Little Lowell. I will make this world safe for you." Marceline mumbled as she caressed Little Lowell's face. Then she hugged him, securing him in her arms.
They just arrived at the entrance of the castle when several werewolf warriors were going back and forth as if an emergency was happening.
Marceline gave Little Lowell to Lyca and jumped off Dylan's back.
"What is happening here?" Marceline asked one werewolf warrior.
"Princess Stella, please proceed to the safe place. A prisoner escaped. There are intruders." the warrior werewolf informed Marceline.
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