Loving The Traitor (A Luke Castellan Love Story)[BOOK ONE]

Chapter 4 - My Mother Pays Me a Visit

My Mother Pays Me a Visit

It was one of those evenings when the world seemed to hold its breath, the air heavy with the promise of secrets yet to be unveiled. Seeking solace from the chaos of camp life, I slipped away from the bustling cabins and retreated behind the familiar walls of Cabin 10, seeking refuge in the quiet embrace of the garden.

With a book tucked under my arm, I wandered through the winding paths, the earth beneath my feet soft and yielding. The scent of wildflowers hung in the air, their delicate fragrance a soothing balm to the soul.

Yet, as I walked, a strange sensation washed over me, a feeling of being watched, of not being quite alone. I brushed it off as nothing more than nerves, the shadows playing tricks on my weary mind.

And then, as if conjured from thin air, it appeared—a picnic table nestled beneath the canopy of trees, a vision of serenity amidst the chaos of camp life. And there, seated upon it, was a woman of unearthly beauty, her presence commanding the attention of all who beheld her.

She was a vision in red silk, her dress clinging to her curves in all the right places. Her hair cascaded in black curls around her shoulders, each strand a testament to her divine beauty. Her eyes, the color of the sea on a stormy night, held a wisdom far beyond mortal comprehension.

Aphrodite.

"Hi, Mom," I greeted, my voice tinged with a mixture of awe and irritation.

She looked me up and down, her gaze piercing through the facade I had carefully constructed. "Elana," she said, her voice like honey and velvet, each word laced with a hint of amusement.

"You know," she began, her voice soft but tinged with a hint of reproach, "there are a few little flaws about your appearance that could use some attention."

I felt a knot form in the pit of my stomach, a familiar pang of insecurity rising to the surface. "Flaws?" I echoed my voice barely a whisper.

She nodded, her expression unreadable. "Yes, dear. For instance, your hair could use a bit more shine, and those freckles of yours—well, they're a bit distracting, aren't they?"

Her words struck me like a blow to the chest, each one a reminder of the imperfections I had long sought to hide. And yet, beneath the sting of her criticism, there was a kernel of truth, a nagging voice that whispered of the need for self-improvement.

But before I could respond, she continued, her voice taking on a softer tone.

"However," she said, her eyes softening with genuine affection, "despite your flaws, there is a beauty within you that cannot be denied." She thought for a second, "I can't explain what it is though."

I raised an eyebrow, irritation bubbling beneath the surface. "Why are you here?" I asked, my tone sharp with defiance.

Her lips curved into a knowing smile, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "I know about you and Luke," she said, her words carrying a weight I hadn't anticipated.

My heart skipped a beat, panic clawing at the edges of my consciousness. "I don't want anyone to know," I admitted, my voice trying to not sound shakey.

Aphrodite sighed, the sound tinged with disappointment. "Elana, I am your mother, and I am also the goddess of love. Secrets don't stay hidden for long in my domain."

I felt a surge of anger rise within me, a fire burning bright and hot. "Do you even care about what I want?" I demanded, the words bitter on my tongue.

Her expression softened a little, a hint of sadness flickering in her eyes. "Of course I care, Elana. I only want what's best for you."

I scoffed, the bitterness tasting like ash in my mouth. "And what do you think is best for me?" I challenged, my voice tinged with sarcasm.

Aphrodite pursed her lips, her gaze piercing through the mask I had carefully constructed. "I think you need to be careful, Elana. Love is a powerful force, but it can also lead us down paths we never imagined. I sense Luke is heading down a path I don't know your heart can follow."

I felt a surge of defiance rise within me, a stubborn resolve that refused to be swayed. "Thanks for the warning," I muttered, my voice thick with resentment. "But I'll decide for myself."

She shrugged, "It's just a warning, Elana." And with that, she disappeared, leaving behind nothing but the echo of her presence and the weight of her words.

As I lay in bed that night, her warning echoed in the recesses of my mind, I couldn't help but wonder what path lay ahead, what choices I would be forced to make. But one thing was certain—I would face them with courage and determination, come what may.