Gabriella’s POV
“What did the witch say?” Nicklaus inquired, his worry evident.
“There is no hope for Estella.”
“That can’t be true. What exactly did she say?”
“You don’t understand. Dedusa has chosen our daughter,” I replied with anger and pain gnawing at my heart.
“And who is Dedusa?” he asked, his confusion evident. I looked at him, my own confusion mirrored in his eyes. “An evil witch who seeks to become immortal.”
“I’m sorry, dear, but I still don’t understand. An evil witch would need a human body to possess, right? How can she get into our daughter? Or are you suggesting someone manipulated a spell to use our daughter as a puppet?”
“No, I’m not protecting anyone. No one cast a spell on our daughter. Dedusa and our innocent daughter have become intertwined, and Margaret is striving to find a solution to save our child. I won’t allow Dedusa to harm her,” I cried out in frustration and desperation.
“Whoever this Dedusa is, I won’t let her harm our innocent daughter. Tell me what you know about her.”
“I don’t know much, but according to what Margaret has said, she believes Dedusa is more than a mere legend. She was once a beautiful woman, a powerful witch who eventually turned into an evil spirit. She can possess anyone she chooses at first glance-that’s all I know.”
“This is indeed strange. Whoever she is, we need to eliminate her. To do that, we must gather information and study our enemy thoroughly. Margaret is the key to that strategy right now.”
“Yes, you’re right. Thank you for giving me hope again. We must save our daughter.”
“Gabby, don’t cry. Our daughter will be safe,” Leah chimed in, attempting to console me.
“Thank you, Leah, but what if we can’t rid ourselves of Dedusa? What if my daughter becomes evil like her? What then? Should I consider ending my own life?” I trembled with fear and despair.
“Stop thinking that way. Your daughter will be a good alpha, utilizing spells she’s learned from you. She won’t turn evil. Trust me on that,” Leah reassured me. I tried to hold onto her words, to believe that my daughter would remain good and not succumb to darkness.
Nicklaus held me in his arms, gently soothing me. His touch was reassuring as he caressed my hair and said, “She will be alright. Let’s wait for Margaret. Once we know her plan, we can decide on our next steps. For now, let’s try to bring down her fever.”
“Alright. I’ll do that.”
“No, you need to rest now. I’ll handle it. Go freshen up,” he urged me with a kind smile. I nodded, leaving the room to refresh myself. Along the way, I overheard some of the witches gossiping, but I didn’t pay much attention. I went straight to my room, took a bath, and changed into comfortable clothing.
When I returned to Estella’s room, I found Nicklaus fast asleep with Estella resting on his chest. A smile formed on my lips as I looked at him. He hadn’t slept all night. He deserved this rest. I kissed both Estella and Nick on their foreheads before quietly leaving the room. My next destination was Margaret. I hoped she might have found a solution or perhaps we could work together to find one, by scouring the ancient books in the witches’ library.
As I walked, I noticed a tense atmosphere among the witches. It was as if everyone was searching for something urgently. I decided to ask one of them what was going on. “Dedusa has returned, and Ma Margaret is quite agitated. We are all using our unique abilities to find a way to get rid of her. Some are researching the ancient books for a solution. She’s resisting the suggestions of others.”
“I apologize for interrupting. I brought this, but what are they discussing that’s causing such tension?” I asked the witch, my voice wavering with worry.
“They are suggesting that they kill your child, believing that it will seal away Dedusa for good along with your daughter’s soul,” she revealed.
“What?!” I exclaimed, my shock and horror clear.
“I am completely against that idea. That’s why many of us are pooling our abilities to find a solution that doesn’t involve sacrificing an innocent soul,” she explained before leaving abruptly. Hot tears welled up in my eyes. They were seriously considering killing my daughter? What crime had Estella committed? She didn’t deserve this fate. After all we’ve been through, I wouldn’t allow it to happen. I couldn’t.
“I think we should inform Nick about this. We can’t let them harm her,” Leah said, her voice tinged with anger.
“I will tell him, but right now, I need to confront those who are suggesting this monstrous idea to kill my only daughter,” I replied, wiping away my tears. This was the moment I had to stand strong, to refuse to be weak. My daughter’s life was at stake, and I wouldn’t let anyone decide her fate. After all, they called me the Moon Goddess Luna. I had the power to challenge and overturn their decision.
I entered the room to find a circle of elders engaged in heated discussion with Margaret, their voices rising in argument. “Why would you even consider killing my child? Who are you to determine her destiny?” I demanded, my anger and desperation making my voice tremble.
“What is she doing here, Margaret? This is an elder meeting, for crying out loud!” one of them exclaimed, clearly shocked by my presence.
“Even you, Mom?” My shock extended to my own mother.
“You don’t understand, Gabriella. This is a grave situation, and you shouldn’t be involved,” my mother replied, attempting to explain.
“Why shouldn’t I be involved when my daughter’s life is hanging in the balance? Do you have any idea how it feels to lose a child?” I shouted, my emotions spiraling out of control.