The Alpha's Fated Outcast Rise Of The Moonsinger novel Chapter 230

Lyla

Call it instinct, I just knew something was wrong and I've known for a while now. Terra's arrival only worsened it.

I was anxious as I walked through the hall, trying to distract myself with the greetings from the pack house domestic as I went by, but in the end, I reached the visitor's sitting room where Terra was.

My fingers curled into fists as I paused at the doorway, hoping I could read the emotions of the woman inside and mentally prepare myself. I was taken aback by the picture of the woman I saw. Instead, of the bright, vibrant woman I've come to know, Terra sat slumped on one of the plush sofas.

Her once-radiant copper-toned skin looked pale, and her cheekbones were more pronounced, an indication that she had lost a lot of weight. She was wearing casual clothes, different from the usual attire (Her ceremonial attire) but they hung loosely on her frame as if the clothes were hung on her.

There was a distant look in her eyes as if she didn't want to be here at all. The aura around her spoke volumes of sadness. I hesitated as my heart clenched at the sight and my stomach twisted into knots. Something was terribly wrong.

My mind drifted to all my attempts to reach out to Nanny. I'd tried several times since arriving at White Moon pack but each time I called, Beta Jeremy always answered the calls. His excuses were endless and almost ridiculous – Miriam was at her devotions, she'd just stepped out, she was busy with ceremonies, she was unavailable. It had been so frustrating.

After trying many times to get a return call or even a voicemail, I decided to let it be. Maybe she was angry with me for leaving without telling her or perhaps about my decision accepting Ramsey. I also reasoned that she must be fine, probably busy with a lot of duties at Blue Ridge. I also guessed that she might have returned to the Moon Temple, somewhere along the line and got busy with duties as the High Priestess in Mother Liora's place at the Moon Temple.

I had also consoled myself with the thought that if something was truly wrong, I would have heard about it.

But seeing Terra now in such a state, a new fear crept up my spine making me question everything.

Suddenly, Terra, lifted her head, her tired gaze landing on me. Immediately, she rose to her feet with a weak smile.

"Luna Lyla," she greeted, curtseying "I'm sorry for coming without giving you a notice. I know you must be busy, please forgive me."

"Please!" I hurried over, lifting her from her semi-kneeling state until she straightened. "Please sit, there's no need for formalities and I'm not officially a Luna yet. You don't have to greet me as one."

Terra nodded and sank back onto the couch without making a witty comment. That was so unlike the woman I had met during the Harvest Moon Festival or the day I had gone to the Moon Temple.

I swallowed the tightness in my throat, trying to maintain a calm façade. "Have you asked them to serve you anything yet?" I looked around the room, there was nothing. "Or can I get it for you? Tea? Water? Coffee?"

Terra shook her head, declining softly. "No, thank you,u dear. I came specifically to see you."

I settled into the chair across from Terra, my hands clasped tightly in my lap to hide their trembling. The morning sunlight streaming through the French windows did nothing to warm the chill that had settled in my bones.

I masked my nervousness well, maintaining my composed expression, even though my heart was running a marathon in my chest.

Terra took a deep breath and exhaled shakily. She had tears in her eyes. "What I'm about to tell you is difficult. But we have no other choice, Lyla. You're our last resort, the only one who can help us."

My heart nearly stopped beating.

What could I do for a bunch of priestesses with supernatural powers? I mean, I've seen Terra and Nanny and Mother Liora showcase what they have. The only things I have to my name are good fighting skills and a non-existent Moonsinging ability that has disappeared completely.

"Is this about Nanny?" I whispered dreading the answer.

Terra nodded; a tear rolled to the corner of her eyes. "Yes."

I leaned forward. "What about her?"

Terra's lips trembled. "She's not at Golden Gates nor the Moon Temple, Lyla. Nathan has kept her in his custody for over a month now."