Enigma of Darkness ✨

In the calm of mate's embrace

As the sun climbed overhead, its bright light filled the room. Araki stirred awake, glancing at the clock on the side table. It was already noon. They had been asleep for hours.

After marking each other, Lucian succumbed to exhaustion and collapsed onto Araki, who had patiently waited for the knot to subside. Once it did, he tenderly cleaned his mate, changed the sheets, aired the room, and finally drifted off beside him.

Now, Araki turned to look at Lucian, who lay with his back to him, his soft heartbeat clearly audible. Brushing a few strands of hair away from Lucian's face, Araki placed a gentle kiss on his arm, content to wake up beside his beloved.

But his peace was abruptly shattered. His features hardened as a low humming sound filled the room. Instinctively, he sat up, shielding Lucian, a dangerous growl escaping his lips. Someone was in their room—and he hadn't sensed them until now.

His eyes locked on a woman standing near the fallen decorations. He was startled but wary. How had she entered without him knowing? The woman—unfazed by his threatening growl—continued to hum softly while meticulously arranging the items that had fallen from the wall and wooden shelves back in place.

Her delicate fingers worked with precision, though she critiqued the artwork with a casual mix of praise and dismissal. Once satisfied, she turned to face Araki, her smile serene despite his caution.

Araki acted swiftly, covering Lucian more securely, sending soothing pheromones to calm his mate, who stirred at the sound of his growl.

The woman chuckled softly. "Child, you're trying to use your powers on the wrong person," she mused. "How should I put it?" She took a step forward, causing Araki to instinctively shield Lucian even more with his body. "It is a waste to use it on someone who gave it to you in the first place."

Araki unable to understand her words, watched her cautiously. His mind raced—this woman was undeniably powerful. But there was something familiar about her. Something that reminded him of Lucian.

She studied him with amusement as if recalling a fond memory. "You remind me of a pair of chipmunks I once teased," she said, her voice light with humor. "The male trembled, but he still protected his mate from me. Such small, brave creatures."

Her gaze softened. "Don't worry—I'm not here to harm you. How could a mother harm her own child?"

Araki's brow furrowed. "Who are you?" he demanded, his voice sharp.

She seemed surprised by the question and then playfully shy, a gesture that mirrored Lucian's mannerisms. "Oh, I do love when people ask me that," she said, clearly enjoying herself. "I don't like to brag, but the power and responsibility I hold makes it difficult not to."

Araki was in no mood for her games. His voice turned steely as he repeated, "Who are you?"

The woman rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed. "Did I really give birth to you?" she muttered, annoyed by his impatience.

Araki shot back quickly, "You didn't."

With a deadpan expression, she let out an exasperated sigh. "I am the creator and protector of the second genders, the divine architect behind their bonds and destinies. Revered yet seldom seen. I can be a form or formless. I am not bound by time or space, my influence is woven into the very fabric of existence, guiding the children—those connected by the sacred mate bonds. With a mere thought, I can alter the course of fate. To meet me is to stand in the presence of the cosmos itself, a force that commands respect and reverence. I am the Moon Goddess."