Maggie approached Mrs. Jenkins, her eyes filled with anticipation and longing. “How can I meet my mom?” she asked, her voice tinged with hope.
Mrs. Jenkins sighed, her gaze shifting to the distant horizon. “Since the moon goddess went into her slumber, the energy of the moon has become increasingly unstable, and the blood moon frequently erupts. The path back has vanished over these years.”
“The path back?” Maggie whispered, repeating the phrase.
“Yes, only by returning to the place that belongs to you and me do we have a chance to trace your mother’s whereabouts,” Mrs. Jenkins earnestly replied.
“So what do I need to do?”
Mrs. Jenkins explained with a touch of sadness in her tone. “Maggie, you need to enhance your abilities, restore this path. But before you can do that, you must conceal your true identity. The power you possess is highly coveted, but your own strength is not yet enough. This makes you vulnerable, and with Aldrich’s protection, you’ll be safer.”
The weight of hiding her true identity pressed heavily on Maggie’s heart. “Aldrich is a wise leader and always seems to know my thoughts. Keeping such a significant secret from him will be very challenging…”
“It’s true, it makes things complicated. But Maggie, for now, at least, it isn’t. You need to ensure that Aldrich chooses you unconditionally, and then reveal everything.”
Maggie understood the necessity of this approach. She nodded, her eyes filled with unwavering determination. “I will do everything to protect myself and find a way to meet my mother,” she pledged, her voice brimming with resolve.
Burning with curiosity, Maggie couldn’t help but inquire about the nature of the moon goddess’s energy. “What exactly is the power of the moon goddess?” she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.
Mrs. Jenkins folded her hands, and her gaze revealed deep knowledge and reverence. “The moon goddess’s body acts as a powerful filter, capable of refining and purifying the energy of the moon. It can restore energy fields, greatly enhancing the power of warriors, especially those reliant on moon energy, such as Lunaris vampires and werewolves.” She explained, her tone laced with awe.
Maggie’s eyes widened in amazement, her brain quickly grasping the magnitude of this power. “So you mean I’ve inherited the moon goddess’s power from my mother, right? Then how can I enhance my abilities?” she asked impatiently.
Mrs. Jenkins reached into a velvet pouch and retrieved a shimmering energy bead. She handed it to Maggie, her voice filled with wisdom. “This energy bead is called an Energy bead, and it can help enhance some of your abilities, but its effects are limited. We’ll need to explore other methods. Furthermore, your twins continuously draw from your energy, slowing down the strengthening process,” she explained with a cautious and concerned look on her face.
Maggie took the Energy bead in her hand, her fingers gently caressing its smooth surface. She could sense a faint energy emanating from it, igniting a spark of anticipation in her heart. “I’ll cherish this opportunity and make the most of it. I won’t let anything stop me from becoming stronger,” she vowed, her eyes burning with determination.
Reflecting on the moment when the elders were present, Maggie’s fingers trembled slightly. Energy Orb had recognized her as its “mother” without the need for any incantations. Its radiance filled her with awe and curiosity. Perhaps the elders’ Energy Orb was also connected to the moon goddess in some way.
Mrs. Jenkins examined Maggie’s expression, a hint of curiosity in her eyes. “I suspect that the Energy Orb might be something left behind by the moon goddess. It shines without the need for spells, indicating it has gained self-awareness. Perhaps it can provide you with more assistance. If there’s an opportunity, we should try to obtain it,” she suggested, her voice tinged with excitement and speculation.
Maggie’s mind was filled with various possibilities, and the prospect of harnessing the power of the Energy Orb filled her with anticipation. She nodded firmly, determination shining in her eyes. “If it can help me embark on this journey and find my mother, I will do whatever it takes to obtain it,” she pledged, her eyes sparkling with resolve.
“Dear Maggie, there’s a long and adventurous journey awaiting you, and the moon goddess will always bless and protect you.”
“Grandmother, you’ll be with me all along, right?”
Mrs. Jenkins patted Maggie’s hand and nodded, “Yes, my mission isn’t complete, and I’ll always be by your side.”
Maggie noticed the bandaged wound on Mrs. Jenkins’s hand.
Curiosity tugged at Maggie again, and she couldn’t help but inquire about the mysterious woman from yesterday. “What happened to that woman? Why did she have a reaction to my moon goddess energy?” she asked, her voice filled with concern.
Mrs. Jenkins leaned in closer, lowering her voice. “It seems she might have experienced a Shift, where the energy within her has become chaotic.”
“A Shift? Isn’t the moon goddess’s power meant to purify?”
“Your moon goddess power probably triggered a temporary awakening, but the energy within you isn’t yet strong enough to fully heal her,” Mrs. Jenkins explained, her tone a mixture of sympathy and caution.
“Yes, my power is too weak…” Maggie’s heart sank as she realized the limitations of her strength.
“Don’t worry, dear. There’s no need to rush. You’ve just awakened your own power, and there’s plenty of time for everything.”
Maggie nodded, clenched her fist, and her eyes sparkled with unwavering determination. “I won’t let these things stop me. I will continue to enhance my abilities so that I can not only help myself but also assist others in need,” she vowed, her voice brimming with resolve.
Mrs. Jenkins had been a guide all along, and she began to teach Maggie the intricate knowledge of using the Energy bead. She explained how to absorb moonlight into her body, purify it, and store it within the Energy bead. Her efforts reached their peak, and the Energy bead emitted a dazzling white light, infusing the purest essence of moon goddess energy into the surrounding beings.
As Mrs. Jenkins demonstrated the technique, Maggie watched in awe. She observed Mrs. Jenkins’s graceful handling of the Energy bead and the ethereal glow that enveloped her. The air seemed to shimmer with the anticipation of something special, as if the moon itself was holding its breath.
“When your efforts reach their peak, the Energy bead will emit a dazzling white light, infusing the purest essence of moon goddess energy into the beings around you,” Mrs. Jenkins gently placed the Energy bead in Maggie’s palm. “Now, I’m giving this to you.”
“Can I bring this back to Barrett Manor?” Maggie inquired.
“Certainly, my dear. When the moon graces the night sky and bathes the earth in its silver glow, at that sacred moment, it’s the optimal time for you to absorb the energy.”
“I’ll make the most of this Energy bead, let it shine its brightest.”
“Good girl, you will. But remember, don’t let anyone know.”
“You mean… Aldrich?”
Mrs. Jenkins nodded silently, and Maggie, holding the Energy bead, furrowed her brows.
How could she both refuse Aldrich entry into the bedroom and avoid arousing his suspicions? It was indeed a perplexing dilemma.