HEARTS OF DIVINE RUIN (The MoonGoddess and The AlphaKing)

Chapter 3: Shadows of Doubt

Two days have passed since Luna's discharge from the hospital. The small town, resting on the eastern fringes of the country, had become her temporary refuge. She had stayed with the Dorothy who had kindly taken her in, working during the day in her small store. 

It was a simple place, selling handmade trinkets, herbs, and various items of clothing and in between some antiques that looks decades old . Despite its modest appearance, it attracted a steady flow of locals, giving Luna plenty of time to observe her surroundings. But her thoughts remained elsewhere—on the man with the grey eyes.

Despite her composed demeanor, Luna's eyes scanned every face that passed the shop, hoping to see him again. He had left a strange imprint on her memory, his presence lingering long after their brief encounter on the street. But two days had gone by, and he hadn't appeared.

What are the odds he'll come back? she thought, pushing aside her disappointment. 

Although Luna had larger concerns to focus on. The desert—the strange, shifting landscape she had wandered through—still lingered in her mind. It hadn't been an illusion; her injuries were proof of that. Yet, the more she thought about it, the less sense it made. The desert didn't exist in this dimension, and now, with her divine powers stripped away, Luna was left with more questions than answers.

During these two days, Luna had learned much about the town. It was a quiet, almost mundane place in the mortal realm, far from any supernatural borders. The nearest werewolf pack lay in the opposite direction, a considerable distance away. Though the idea didn't thrill her, she knew that heading toward the pack might be her only option but her own kind hates her .Yet this is the only possible way - If she could cross into the supernatural boundary, perhaps she could find a way to contact Davina or Lucifer. After all, it had all started with their wedding. There might be some clue waiting for her there.

The third day arrived, and Luna made her decision. She couldn't stay here any longer, as much as she appreciated the peace the Dorothy's hospitality had provided. She approached the woman, who sat behind the counter sorting through a fresh batch of herbs.

"I think it's time for me to go," Luna said softly, her voice steady as always.

Dorothy looked up, her eyes filled with concern. "So soon? Are you sure you're healed enough to travel? That injury on your thigh..."

Luna nodded, even though the truth was far from that. Her thigh still ached from the wound she'd inflicted on herself to break free from the illusion the dessert created, but she wouldn't trouble the old woman with her burden. "I'm healing," she reassured. "It's enough. I need to take care of some...unfinished matters."

The old lady's face softened with a hint of sadness. "I won't stop you, but you've been good help here. It's been nice having someone around, you know? Are you sure you want to leave?"

Luna felt a warmth in her chest at the woman's kindness. "I'm grateful for your hospitality. But there are things I must face." She paused, hesitant to say more. "You've done more for me than you know."

The old lady nodded, accepting Luna's words, though a glimmer of concern lingered in her eyes. She reached into her apron pocket, withdrawing a small, timeworn envelope and an ancient-looking locket. She held it out to Luna with a gentle smile.

The locket was an unusual shape—an oval with jagged, thorn-like edges that curled inward, giving it the appearance of a sealed, enchanted eye. Its dark silver surface was covered in faint, cryptic etchings that seemed to shimmer and change under the light, like whispers in a forgotten language. At its center sat a deep, violet gemstone, so dark it was almost black, that pulsed faintly as if alive. The gemstone was encircled by twisted silver vines that appeared to move ever so slightly, as though they were reaching out protectively around the stone.

"Here, take this. It's a small token for your help here. It's not much, but..."

Luna took the envelope, feeling its weight in her hands, and hesitated at the thought of returning the pendant. It was more than just a token; it was a lifeline, and she was in no position to refuse. "You're too kind. I don't deserve this."

The old lady smiled warmly, her eyes sparkling with wisdom. "You've earned every bit of that money, dear. And as for the pendant," she gestured toward it, "it may not be beautiful, but it can bring you luck , my dear."

Luna's brow furrowed in reluctance, the pendant's weight in her palm feeling like a burden. She wanted to protest, to say that she didn't want to take anything more from this kind woman. But the sincerity in the old lady's gaze softened her resolve.

"You're a strong one, I can see that," Dorothy continued. "But strength can get you only this far , you need some good luck to do whatever it is you want to do."

With a heavy sigh, Luna felt the knot of guilt in her stomach loosen slightly. She looked at the pendant once more, "Okay," she said softly, "I'll take it."

Luna nodded, the weight of the woman's words settling over her. Healing wasn't just physical; her mind was still unraveling the strange events she had endured. And that desert... it was real, of that she was certain. But it didn't belong in this dimension. Why it had drawn her in, she still couldn't understand.

As she slung her small bag over her shoulder, Luna felt the dull throb of pain in her thigh. It was tolerable, for now. She could endure it.

Stepping outside the shop, the town greeted her with its usual busyness. People walked the streets, unaware of the quiet storm brewing within her. She was just another face in the crowd now, no longer the powerful goddess she had once been.

But as Luna walked, a chilling thought took root in her mind. Were they watching her? The figures in her memory, the people the server had taken her to, flashed through her thoughts. The man who had spoken to her, his words cryptic and full of hidden meaning—was he responsible for what had happened to her? Had he set her on this path?

Was he the reason she collapsed in that desert?

Her heart quickened, paranoia creeping into her mind. She had always trusted her instincts, but now, without her Divine powers, she was vulnerable—no longer able to sense the dangers around her. If they were tracking her every step, watching her every move, she wouldn't know until it was too late.

Her eyes flicked to the faces of the people passing by. Every smile seemed to hide something sinister, every glance lasted a little too long. Luna's composure held, but the gnawing feeling of uncertainty took root deep within her.

For the first time in centuries, Luna felt lost. Not just physically, but spiritually. Her long life had granted her wisdom, yet now, stripped of her divinity, she realized just how fragile her position had become. She doubted everything—every face, every moment of safety.

With each step, the weight of her isolation grew. No longer a goddess, no longer all-seeing, she was simply a mortal woman, vulnerable and unsure of who might be watching her.