Fated

Chapter 46

Song of the chapter, Ready for War by 2WEI, Joznez, Kataem.

Artemis

I roam through the halls of the university. My mind is miles away. I didn't write a single note throughout the class. I am super nervous; the full moon is tonight. I can't focus on anything other than the feeling of my magic running through me.

Both Diana and Nyx are on edge; Diana keeps snarling at us. I have yet to shift, fearing the shift would create yet another "magic boom". Diana is rightfully antsy. When I shifted to Nyx, something changed; our bond grew stronger.

"Hey, Ari, are you ok?" I look to my left. Andre is standing there with his books. "Huh? Oh yeah, I just have a lot on my mind. How's your father doing?" He smiles at me and steps closer.

"He's doing much better. All I know is I don't have to take over for the time being." He chuckles. "Don't worry. I heard those rituals are not painful."

"I am so nervous, and Nyx and Diana can't shut up about it." He opens his free arm, and I hug him. The whole touching thing is something I am working on. And I am proud to say I can hug people that are close to me without freaking out.

"I got to get to class, but you got this, Ari." He squeezes me one more time before walking away. "Thanks."

The rest of the day went by as a blur. As I walk up to my room to rest before the twins arrive, my thoughts take over; I don't know what to expect. What would go down? Will it even work?

I sigh and close my eyes.

"Wake up." A gentle touch flutters over my left cheek. "Mmmm." "It's time, Ari." Sighing again, I sit up. Victoria kisses my forehead, and I lean into her. "It's ok to be scared. We don't know what's going to happen, but we will be there for you every step of the way."

I smile and stand up. I take my phone and a small backpack and follow Ria down.

Elli hugs me and whispers encouraging words while the twins pack us some food. We leave to the pack, and that's when Nyx and Diana decide to fight again.

It seems that all I do today is sigh. I roll my eyes and ignore their fight to the best of my abilities. "A pound for your thought?" I giggle, "Isn't it supposed to be a penny?" Elli smiles at me, "We are Brits; a pound seems appropriate."

My sour mood lifts, and we chat happily. As besties, there is a limit on what we can talk about since one of them is in the car with us. "Ok, ok, I heard it on TikTok, please laugh."

"Why are chickens so funny?"

"Why?" I snicker.

"Becauuuuuuuuse."

I couldn't contain my laugh. "Omg, the definition of dad jokes." Elli chuckles. We continue to make bad jokes until we arrive.

We walk to the lake, and my anticipation rises. I can already hear the sisters talking to each other and the sounds of the twins' parents, along with Elli's dad.

I breathe in deeply and let it go. "Hi, nice to see you again." I wave for them, and they smile back. "Sunset is just around the corner; you made it just in time," Rowena says.

"We will begin shortly. When the sky turns pink, get into the water." I nod and clutch the twins' hands. I kiss them both on the cheek, and they kiss me back.

As the sky turns pink, I get into the water with my clothes on. The water is cold, and I can feel them in my bones.

I turn and look at the sisters in question. "As the moon rises, this water shall cleanse the impurities. We call upon the moon goddess to help us. We call upon the magic in us to help. Dear gods, listen to our prayers, cleanse the darkness in Artemis, and help her reach her true self."

Rava steps forward, and her magic fills the air. She mumbles something, and I can feel it in the water. Without knowing what I am doing, I sink below the surface.

Darkness surrounds me, and I feel a pull on my magic. A purple aura shines through me and I force myself to let go. "My child, darkness is in you; let it go. Do not fight the memories. They are no longer your reality." A voice I had never heard before speaks to me.

I choke as I see David in front of me. It's the last memory I had before I lost consciousness. "Do not fight the memories." The voice says again. My heart pace is picking up, and I try to calm it down. Tears prick my eyes as the images pass through.

I breach through the surface only to discover a battle. Goosebumps cover my body as I feel a presence behind me. Before I can even do anything, Diana pushes to the front.

She runs and shifts as we get close to the beach. I look through her eyes as David emerges from the trees. Diana snarls as power bursts out of me and knocks him down.

"Nice trick; who are you? I never felt powers like yours." He dusts himself. "Diana, he's mine."

I shift and stand up. I harden my face as I stare at him. "Well, well, well, if it's not my little bird." I fist my hands to my side as my heart beats out of control. "Hello, David, long time no see. Are you here for your sisters?" I try my best to sound as nonchalant as I can about it.

"As a matter of fact, I am. But now, you're here, and a mutt at that. I always knew you were a filthy little creature. I just didn't imagine this." He chuckles to himself.

"I have changed a lot since our last encounter. I learned new tricks. I AM NOT AFRAID OF YOU, DAVID!" I throw him on a tree as I yell it.