"I'm sorry, Aravelle, but you're crazy," I said, shaking my head and holding back a laugh.
"You really think she's Lunara?" Rohan asked, an amused look on his face.
"Yes. Rhea is still Rhea to her core, of course, but Lunara is inside her, influencing her thoughts, emotions, and maybe even taking control at times," Aravelle explained.
"That's not true. If she was inside me, I would have known."
"You wouldn't have, because you haven't connected with her yet," she said. "But lately she's been trying to, because there's no time left. That explains the dreams and the voice, Rhea, she's trying to warn you."
"So she's been with me this whole time?"
"Yes."
This wasn't making any sense to me.
"So you mean, all those times I was bullied and scorned, she was inside me just watching and not even helping?"
"She's helped you more than you think. And like I said, the plan was to make you look weak."
I shook my head. "I'm sorry, but I don't believe you. I might have believed you if you had said she chose me to help or maybe even to fulfill the prophecy, but you're saying she's inside me, possessing me all this time? That's… unbelievable."
"Child, unless you believe she's inside you, you can't connect with her."
"But why her, though?" Rohan asked. "Why Rhea, when it could have been anyone else?"
"Exactly, why would she choose me of all people?" I asked. "I mean, you're her priestess, right? She could have chosen you."
"I'm way too old, child." Aravelle chuckled. "And you're asking why you? Let me ask you this: what is it you and Lunara both have in common?"
I didn't respond, but I knew. We both hate our sisters. We both know what it's like to be overshadowed and overlooked.
"Exactly," Aravelle said, like she had read my mind. "You understand her."
"Whether she understands or not, Rhea can't fight a literal goddess," Rohan said.
"With Lunara, she can."
"According to the story, Solara has always been the stronger sister," Rohan argued.
Aravelle's expression turned grim.
"Yes. To this day, Solara still has the upper hand. Lunara stole some of her worshippers, but she still has many more."
"So she's going to win?" I asked.
"The prophecy didn't say who will win, but—"
"But the odds are in Solara's favor," I finished, and Aravelle nodded.
"Like it isn't bad enough we're caught in a battle, we're also on the losing side," Rohan muttered, running his hand through his hair in frustration.
"So it wasn't Valeblood Pack attacking us after all?" I asked.
"Rhea, it is Valeblood Pack. She captured them," Aravelle said.
"Oh, God," I whispered.
"Wait, what?" Rohan said. "No wonder they've been isolated."
"It's the only pack she's captured so far, but I'm sure she's already planning to take more," Aravelle said. "That attack at the border was to test our defenses."
"So she wants to capture us next?" Rohan asked.
Aravelle nodded.
"Well, what are we waiting for? We have to start planning, get the soldiers ready," Rohan said.
"You've seen those wolves, Rohan. They aren't normal, they're possessed by Solara. Your soldiers stand no chance, unless Rhea acts quickly."
"What am I supposed to do?" I asked.
"Connect with Lunara. Unless you do, we might not survive."
"And how exactly do I connect with her?"
"First things first: you have to believe she's actually inside you, and that you're not going crazy like you think you are."
"Can you blame me, though?" I asked. "Imagine waking up one morning and being told you're possessed by a goddess."
"If you don't believe, you'll never connect. And that's not all. After unlocking the belief comes step two: curiosity. Start testing her. Ask questions in your head, wait for answers. Keep a mental score of which ones come true. This is you giving her attention, and attention is power."
"Okay belief, then curiosity. Got it."
"Then step three: dependence," she continued. "You start relying on her for small decisions. Each correct prediction builds trust."
I nodded.
"And after dependence comes alignment. This is when your values, emotions, and goals start syncing with hers."
"So belief, curiosity, dependence, and alignment?" I repeated.
"Then the last, but not least, step: influence. She's going to test your loyalty, and if you pass, she opens the door for full communication."
"This is too much. I don't think I can do it," I admitted.
"Well, the pack is in danger. You have to," Rohan said.
"You mean the same pack that wants me dead?" I asked. "I'm sorry, but I don't care."
"Don't be stupid!" he snarled. "Think about your family."
"It's not like we're going to win the war anyway!" I shot back. "Solara is going to win so if she wants to capture us, then so be it!"
Aravelle shook her head. "Oh, child… Solara might capture and enslave the rest of us, but not you. She's going to kill you. Unless you connect with Lunara."
I rolled my eyes. Was life even worth living?
"Rhea, I know giving up before even trying has always been your motto, but if you do this, you won't be labeled as the cursed omega anymore," Rohan said. "Heck, you'll become a hero."
I hated that he knew how to get to me, because now I was reconsidering.
"But what if I fail?" I asked.
Rohan shrugged. "Would you rather die a coward, or die trying?"
"Lunara is already reaching out to you, so it won't be so difficult connecting with her," Aravelle said.
I sighed. "Fine. I'll try connecting with her."
Just then, we heard a knock on the door. I flinched. No one knew Rohan and I were here. Everyone was probably looking for us by now. Rohan was already on his feet, alert.
"Does anyone know you're here?" Aravelle asked.
I shook my head.
"Both of you, go inside the room and lock the door. Do not make a sound," she said.
Rohan and I quietly went into the bedroom, and he locked the door behind us.
I could feel my heart starting to race. It had to be the soldiers. They would probably want to search the cabin for us. Aravelle could refuse, but would they listen? I paced back and forth as Rohan pressed his ear to the door.
"Do you hear anything?" I whispered.
He shook his head. "It's muffled, but I think they're having a conversation."
Of course, he was calm. Sure, he might be punished and lose his rank, but he wasn't the one they wanted dead. I, on the other hand, was on the verge of a panic attack.
"Calm down," he said as I paced. "They might hear your footsteps."
"Why exactly are you doing this?" I asked suddenly.
"Doing what?"
"Helping me."
"I already told you."
"Yes, you said you're doing it for Vira," I said. "But you're about to lose your position, your respect. Something you've worked hard for. It doesn't make sense."
"I don't owe you an explanation. Just shut up and be grateful."
"She's your co-mentor, not even a friend," I said. "Do you expect me to believe this is only a favor?"
"What else would it be?"
"I don't know… something deeper?"
"You're insane."
"Rohan…" I hesitated, scared to ask, "are you in love with Vira?"
He stiffened, jaw tightening. Just as he opened his mouth to speak, Aravelle knocked.
"It's Vira and Aidrac," she called. "They're here to see you."