Luna Rising

FORTY-ONE

"Mom?"

My eyes couldn't deceive me. When Hexia has me in her grasp, I open my eyes to this place.

The last time I was in a subconscious dimension was when Merkon rewrote my life just the way I wanted. If this is another trick, I will not fall for it.

The woman stood ten feet from me. Her long wavy silver hair hung loose as she wore a simple white dress and was barefoot. She looks carefree and doesn't bother about being dirty. But given that we are in space, nothing can harm us.

Is this Hexia's trick?

Does she want to get information by pretending to be my mother, whom she hates?

I won't let this happen again.

"This better not be one of your sick games, Hexia," I cried out, hoping she would answer, but after a few seconds,s nothing.

I clench my fist and glare at this woman who resembles my mother but is probably Hexia in disguise as an advantage.

"Who are you?"

The woman pulls on a smile. It's not just a smile; there was gentleness and sadness to that expression.

Nope, not going to fall for it the second time.

"I've been through this before," I snarl. "If you don't want to end up like your friend, I suggest you release me."

I doubt Hexia considers Merkon her friend. Most demons don't trust each other because of status and power. They challenge each other to show who is more potent. But Hexia and Merkon are different from Saye, Arlo, and Jippies. Those three served my father and were treated respectfully, like family.

The magic inside is overflowing as I focus on holding it before this fake strikes.

Wait...Magic?

I look down at my hands. How can I conjure up magic here?

When I was in Merkon's world, he made me an average person. No magic existed in his world because he was accommodating to my desires. But here, I can still feel my charm.

I look over at the fake. And squint my eyes. What is Hexia up to?

"Don't be afraid. I'm not here to hurt you," the fake mother spoke out with such jolly in her tone.

Hexia is a bit childish and acts like a child. She's playing mind tricks on me. "I don't believe you."

"You are like your father, very cautious, and never trust anyone," she giggles. "You even have that look he does when he frowns. I find that quite adorable."

I'm having doubts. This fake mother is talking to me as if we are close. Mentioning my father tells me she knows him more than I do. Of course, since he never once come back for me.

"I know you don't trust me and think this is a game for Hexia, but you don't have to worry about her."

I furrow my brows. "What do you mean?"

The woman smiles. "Right now, she is trying to get your pearl, and I'm preventing her. She's getting frustrated. It's quite amusing," she chuckles.

"Wait, then...I'm not dead?"

"Of course not. I had you in a trance so I could talk to you."

I swallowed and started to think this was no trick. This woman standing before me could be the person I'm looking for. Emotions inside are swirling with mixed feelings, and I don't know what to express in front of her.

"But I don't have much time. I only have a moment until you and Hexia go head to head with each other."

"Are...are you..." I couldn't collect the words I wanted to say. My mind is malfunctioning, and my voice is cut off.