The Tasks of the Moon Goddess

Chapter 53

Author's note: The picture is of Annabel.

Today was my birthday and I couldn't wait to get home to have cake with my family. I had learned all my duties and I was actually quite good at them. They trained me on the register. Now they can have breaks and I could work the register. I even got a fifty cent raise. Work has been going well.

The store was busy. Then I noticed a woman come in. She had a short Black Bob and heavy makeup. She really didn't fit in the shop. She came over to me and asked me where the bathroom was and then she blew some powder in my face. Everything went black.

When I woke up I was in what I thought was the basement of the shop. I could see the old mannequins down there and I was tied to a column.

As you can see, we can get you at any time. I did not harm you. I did not force you to do anything. I just wanted to talk," she said.

"What do you want from me?" I asked.

"It is not I who wants something from you. It is the Moon God. We have plans to get werewolves out in the open so we can rule as we're supposed to. The Moon God will walk the earth once again," she said. "He will have you for his bride."

"But I thought he was mates with the Moon Goddess," I said, confused.

"They are not mates. They are related though," she said.

"But this is ridiculous. I'm already married to the man I love," I said.

"It makes no difference to the Moon God. If you come quietly, your husband can live. If you don't, he dies. Either way you will be his," she said. "I want you to think long and hard about this Joyana. We are not your enemy. We will worship you too."

"I don't want to be worshiped. I want to be left alone," I said. "You can't be buying this bullshit."

"You just have to accept your place. He will take care of you and your children beyond anything you could do yourself. Think about it," she said.

With that, she blew more powder in my face. Everything was black. The next thing I know, Viktor is untying me looking worried.

"What happened here Joyana?" He asked.

I started to cry. I wasn't sure about how much I should tell him. What if she was telling the truth and I can save Viktor by going with them? Would I really pass on the chance? No, I need to protect my family. Whatever it takes.

"Nevermind, I'll look for myself," he said.

"No, I'll tell you," I said.

"Too late," he said, looking angry. "There is no way you're sacrificing yourself for me. Go back up there and quit. We're going home."

"But I don't want to quit," I said. "I love my job."

"You're too vulnerable here. They just want you to believe those things. We're winning. We got a beat on two potential people and you know a third. That leaves only one unknown and the Moon God to deal with," he said.

"I didn't know all of that," I said.

"I've been getting a lot of information from the pyro guy. He's changed sides and has been very useful."

"I thought he was dead," I said.

"No. He's just seen the error of his ways," he said.

"The woman I encountered seemed like a fanatic. I don't think she can be changed," I said.

"This place has two exits. If you're not going to quit, we're going to have to place guards around. I wish I knew what she blew in your face. Maybe we can talk to Eloise. She probably knows what it is," he said.