Juno’s Betrayal

Book:The Moon Goddess Choice Published:2024-5-31

EPISODE HUNDRED AND FIFTY ONE
THEME: Juno’s Betrayal
MOON STONE FORTRESS
There was no need to call out the family because the women were already seated in the large living room to Jaylen’s surprise as if they knew what has been planned. Since it is not profitable for the Rogues to attack in the early hours of the day, his intention was to see Sebastian and Rex out and have them rest till evening then find a way to gather all of them and let them know of the situation.
However, the look on their faces gave them out like they knew exactly what was going on. The moment Rex stepped feet down the stairs Claire ran towards him.
Jaylen threw his head back. “Oh of course.” He had almost forgotten that the Intel had been gotten from his sister.
The moment their eyes met she burned holes through his skin with her vicious eyes. He glared back at her. He knew she was clearly pissed at him for choosing not to believe her. He decided to take a seat and explain the situation to the expectant faces.
“Please tell us everything we heard about Juno isn’t exactly true.” Meagan had a pained look on her face.
“I am sorry mom. Claire was right after all, I don’t know what it is between Juno and Jayden that they appear to be supportive of each other.” Jaylen replied.
“How could she do that?” Gabriella said in a shaky voice.
“What would be all of our fate now? Are the Rogues going to raid the Fortress?” Claire demanded.
Jaylen sighed. “None of you is meant to know till all of this is over. But it just wouldn’t be fair since Juno is almost part of this family.”
Rosalyn stared at him. “Is there anything I can help with Jaylen?”
“I don’t mind being of help too.” Adriel added.
“You both don’t need to worry. My men and I have everything under control.” He responded.
“We would leave now and meet up later.” Rex announced. He and Sebastian said their goodbyes and left the Damiens to their thoughts.
Meagan rubbed at her neck slowly as a strange feeling about Jayden’s disappearance had nagged at her thoughts consistently for the past one week and she had hoped it wouldn’t go past anything they could handle. What she had not expected was having both of her sons go to war against each other. How more shallow can Jayden become? Every time she tries to understand his predicament as a mother, he indulges in a despicable act.
Meagan was more perplexed with Juno’s involvement. The two of them had never really been that close like she was to Jaylen but then she remembered seeing something that looked like Juno’s shadow leaving Jayden’s room sometime ago. Meagan was quick to conclude that she could be wrong so it never did cross her mind again.
Jaylen sat next to his mother and rubbed her shoulder. “I am truly sorry mom. I never thought this would happen. Jayden just keeps doing things that I can’t save him from. This isn’t just about us anymore but the safety of the Fortress and its entire members. Forgive me mom.”
Meagan inhaled deeply as she pat his cheek. “None of this is your fault, Jaylen. It’s all of ours. Can I be there please?”
“At the war front?” Jaylen inquired.
“Meagan.” Gabriella called out.
“I want to see him.” Tears laced at the corners of Meagan’s eyes.
“That can’t be too much to ask right?” Gabriella chipped in.
“Grandma come on, I can’t have mom around something like that. It’s risky for every soul that would be out there.” He held his mother’s hands. “I promise mom, I would bring Jayden back home…alive and we would sort out this entire mess. Please.”
Meagan shook her head as she blinked back the tears. “Alright son.”
“Also Claire, forgive me for doubting you and refusing to affirm your claim.” Jaylen apologized.
Claire shrugged. “It is obvious you love your foster sister than your real sister. She not only fooled you into believing she was the best and she also used the leverage to stab you in the back. I don’t think-”
“That’s enough Claire.” Meagan cut her short.
“But mom!” She whined.
Gabriella shook her head in disapproval. “That’s enough Claire. We know all those things already so there is no need to keep saying it.”
Seeing they no longer paid him any mind, Jaylen stood up and he motioned towards his room. Rosalyn followed him.
“Should I make you coffee?” She asked behind him.
Jaylen stared back at her with appreciation written all over his face. “I would really appreciate it.”
“You can head to your room then. I would bring it to you.” Rosalyn said as she made her way back towards the kitchen.
Few minutes later, she returned to Jaylen’s room with two coffee cups in hand. “I thought to do it the Starbucks way.” She handed it over to him with a small smile on her face.
Jaylen chuckled lightly. “Thanks.”
Rosalyn sat opposite him on the single couch as she observed him. “How are you feeling?”
He let out a long breath. “I have no idea, Rosalyn. I look so cool on the outside but I am a nervous wreck on the inside.”
Rosalyn knew that already. Jaylen has a way of portraying himself as perfectly fine in the face of chaos but she had learnt every of his expressions and knows exactly when he isn’t himself.
“I did sense that, it’s why I offered you coffee and it appears you could do with it well enough.”
“You know me too well for your own good.” He smiled.
“I know this wouldn’t be easy for you, Jaylen. But I want you to know I would always be here for you, likewise your family and friends too. You don’t need to go through this alone and never blame yourself for all of this. It’s not your fault, this is fate taking its course and you can only do what you can as regards your ability. I love you and I know the whole of your family does too. It will be fine in the end, I promise.”
Jaylen sniffed back a tear. “I don’t know what I would have done without you, Rosa.”
Rosalyn snorted playfully. “A whole lot of things, I can assure you.” Kissing his forehead, she stood up to leave the room. “I will leave you to it.”
An extreme silence engulfed the room. The moment Rosalyn stepped out Jaylen felt lonely all of a sudden. He hasn’t spoken to Lorelei for a while. Even though it hurt him so bad he has decided this was the best option for now. Everyday the situation he finds himself in keeps dragging him down and he would prefer letting everything else play out itself.
Taking in a deep breath, he drank the rest of the coffee and let the little sleep he would be able to get to evade him.