The Pure-Hearted Princess and the Kiss of Darkness



50. The Morning

→ KATALEYA

I stare out at the sunrise, once again my mind flitting to Enrique's Mama's letter. I look down at the bracelet and smile at the engravings. One side depicted two birds, which stood for love, and on the other side, the symbol of fertility. I blush as I smile fondly at it, my mind returning to last night...

(FLASHBACK)

I break the seal gently on the letter, not wanting to ruin the wax seal. A bracelet almost slips out, but I catch it, looking at it with a small smile, before placing it on my thigh.

Enrique's mom had left me a letter. I feel so blessed, never thinking I'd ever get anything like this from her. I slowly begin reading it, trying to calm my racing heart.

'To my new daughter,

Mija, you may or may not know, but my name is Esmerelda. I am Enrique's Madre; I don't know if he talks about me or not, but he's a loving boy. I hope he makes you as happy as I know you make him.

I wish I was there, to meet you, meet my new family, and to welcome you. To help you fit in as luna, although, it's been a long time since I was able to perform my role as luna. I am certain that the curse on our bloodline has been taken care of and all I want is for the two of you to live happily together.

When I sat down to write this letter, there was so much I wanted to say, yet now that the paper is in front of me, I am unable to. I am thinking of all the things I will miss out on, your mating ceremony, your welcoming, your wedding, your pregnancies, and your children. How do I put that on one piece of paper?

As luna, I know you will take care of our people, with love, patience and kindness. My Enrique can be a little temperamental, but with love and patience, he does come around. I'm sure you'll not struggle with that. After all, he chose you to stand by his side.

A luna is an alpha's wisdom and strength. Where his beta or delta can't get through to him, you will. I will tell you a secret. Food is the way to my son's heart, although I'm sure you know that already. I've included a few recipes he loved. Maybe you could try them for him?'

Of course, I will!

I look at the smaller squares of paper that hold three individual recipes.

"Everything that was mine is yours, mija, don't ever feel you need to ask Enrique. I have some jewels in a safe deposit box at the bank. They are yours. The key is in my jewellery box, and the code is 11573. You'll be able to access it. I wish I could see you dear, I truly do, but since you are reading this, it meant it wasn't possible.

And don't wait too long to have babies. I have told Enrique, too, to have plenty of babies and take good care of them. I am sure you two will make the best parents. I know Enrique will show them the love he was deprived of, but I can't blame Sebastian, either. He lost himself, although he tried so hard to find an answer to protect Enrique and sadly, it accelerated the rate that the djinn consumed him.

I love you Mija, although I don't know you. I love you for choosing my son, and for accepting him despite how difficult he could be. So, grow our family together, so you don't ever feel the lack of us being there.'

My eyes fill with tears as I try to fight back my sobs.

"Have plenty of children, I told Enrique, maybe six or seven, but you know even ten will work. I do love children. Imagine that - lots and lots of children. Enrique always wished he had a big family, and we just didn't have the chance.'

My eyes have widened at ten babies, but it's the regret of not having her here that pulls at my heart. Because of the djinn, he ruined everything. Oh, how I hate him.

'I will always watch over you, and if there is heaven, I hope I have earned it. Take care of my son, because he has

had a hard life, shower him and my grandchildren with all the blessings you bring. Please, take care of my Enrique. Love, Esmerelda'

(END OF FLASHBACK)

I brush my tears away as Enrique wraps his arms around me from behind, making my breath hitch. He had returned from a small training session with the youth, wanting to give them a small talk. Almost as if it was a precaution in case something happens.

I don't want to think about it.

Since I woke up not long ago, everything has felt... tense. I lean into him, my heart racing as we both silently watch the sunrise.

"Mi Amor, what are you thinking about?"

"I was remembering your mother's letter." I hold up the bracelet and he scoffs.

"She simply wants us to have children, although I don't mind the art itself, but I'm not so sure of having children yet. We're still young."

I giggle. "Yes, we are. Besides, with the upcoming war... it's scary, don't you think? Having babies?" I whisper, leaning up and kissing his lips softly.

His smirk fades as he nods. "Yeah, that's crossed my mind, too. I'm not so sure this is a world I would want to bring kids into..."

It's the terrifying reality of our future...

"Some would say to continue our legacy, but knowing what they may have to face, it's scary," I mummur. "Well, let's leave that to the gods and focus on what's important." He turns me in his arms, his hands dropping to my waist as he pulls me flush against him, making my heart skip another beat. "Tonight is the Blood Moon..."

I nod, feeling the fear I'm trying to squash begin to rise and I reach up touching his jaw. "No matter what happens, we're in this together."

He nods, giving me a faint smile. At that moment the sun shines brightly, making his hazel eyes glow vibrantly with several shades of vibrant greens and gold behind those dark thick lashes.

"Always." He leans down, kissing my forehead before he moves back, pausing and I can tell someone is mind- linking him. "You have some guests."

He takes my hands, and we leave the room. "Guests?"

"You'll see."

He doesn't explain further, simply leading me out to the front of the pack house, where Jose, Uncle Liam, Raihana, Delsanra, Royce and Mama are waiting.novelbin

Mama smiles at me as she motions me forward.

"Look who's here."

He leads me out to the front of the packhouse, and the moment my foot touches the stone,

I freeze. My breath catches in my throat as I spot the four figures who are crossing the pack grounds coming towards us. Their presence is unmissable, their power is rolling off them in waves that make the air around us crackle. The wind whips around me, carrying their scent.

I wasn't expecting them here! I look at Enrique questioningly, but he doesn't seem surprised. "Did you know?" I

ask softly.

"I was notified."

I glance at the rest, but aside from Mama, I don't think they knew either.

My heart pounds as I slowly turn back to the four who are approaching, unable to stop the smile from crassing my lips. I'm happy they are here.

The first man is in smart pants, a white shirt with his sleeves rolled up, holding his jacket over his shoulder. His hair which he keeps much shorter than he used to is slicked back, Rayhan. A sharp calculated expression in his

grey eyes.

Next to him is Grandad Elijah, every bit the unshakable force he always was. He's dressed in washed-out jeans, a white T-shirt, black boots and a leather jacket. He moves with a quiet authority that demands attention without a word and the sparkle in cerulean eyes, a hint of his playful attitude.

And then, with a dangerous smirk on his face, is Dad. He's wearing black smart pants, and a black shirt, with his sleeves rolled back just like Rayhan's. He holds a cigarette in one of his tattooed hands. His eyes gleam with the familiar fire I know too well.

And last but definitely not least is one who towers over them all; Clad in all-black sweatpants, trainers and hoodie, is Dante. His black hair gleams under the sunlight, looking almost blue. A pair of sunglasses cover his eyes that no one is able to look into without feeling the need to bend to his mercy.

"Hey there, My Cherry Blossom."