The Moon Knows How to Play

Chapter 9

Chapter 9

"Hey, Kidlat." I smiled at my horse as I opened the gate of his stall. I reached up and brushed aside his long mane. "Did you miss me?"

I threw the saddle across Kidlat's back, tightened the straps, then grabbed his reins and led him out. Mama met me on the path, carrying feed for the other horses.

"I'm taking Kidlat out," I told her.

She smiled, tapping my shoulder. "Hijo, remember—whatever decision you make, your father and I will support you. We're here to back you up, not to pressure you. Okay?"

"Thanks, Ma."

"Why the hell did you release it inside her?!" she snapped suddenly.

I lowered my head. "I'm sure... I... didn't..."

Mama's eyes widened. "Look into my eyes, Thunder!" Her hands clamped down on my arms, shaking me hard. "Are you sure you didn't?!"

I swallowed. "I don't know, Ma... the night with Eclips—it's not clear. I can't remember everything."

"Tell me the details." She smirked, half-teasing.

"Mom!" I scowled at her, but she only laughed.

"You should be sure of what happened, hijo. Why wasn't it clear? Were you drunk? Don't tell me you were asleep while making a baby? Or maybe..." She leaned in close, whispering against my ear. "...drugged?"

My throat tightened. "Mom... I can handle this. I'll fix the mess I got into."

Mama sighed, her eyes softening. "Can't you at least open up to me? You and Tornado—both of you are carrying so much. I feel like a worthless mom... your dad too..."

"Mom, you're not worthless." I hugged her tightly. "Just trust me on this. I made a mistake once. I won't make another. I learned."

"No, hijo. This isn't a mistake." She rubbed my back gently. "This is a test God gave you. A test where, if you make the wrong move, you learn from it. A test where, if you make the right move, you also learn from it. Either way, you'll learn."

"Isn't choosing the wrong answer a mistake, Mom?"

She smiled faintly. "It only becomes a mistake if you never try to make it right." She placed her palm on the crown of my bowed head. "Looks like Kidlat's getting impatient. Take him out."

"Thanks for trusting me, Ma..."

"Of course. You're my son. I trust you. Never forget that."

I smiled and watched her return to feeding the other horses. I swung myself onto Kidlat's back and urged him forward. He leapt over the wooden fence of the stable and took off running.

My hair whipped in the wind, the world around me blurring, only the path ahead sharp. We thundered past the piggery, the cattle farm, the plantation. At last, we stopped at the tall wall—the edge of our ranch.

I turned Kidlat and steered him down a muddy path until we reached a small stream that cut through from the river. He dipped his muzzle, drinking deeply. Afterward, I urged him forward again.

As we rode, the night before replayed in my mind. Elunar rejecting my love. Forcing me toward her sister. Telling me she'd be happy—more than happy—if I married Eclips.

What about my own happiness?

Should I sacrifice mine for hers?

Will it be worth it?

How can I love Eclips when all she's done is destroy my life?

"Hiya!" I pushed Kidlat harder, faster. Too fast. I didn't see the hole in the uneven path. His hoof plunged, stumbling. He lost balance.