Alpha's STOLEN Mate (by Abigail Hayes) novel Chapter 230

Chapter 230

I stared at him. “I’m sorry, did you just ask me to walk into the water? In this dress?”

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“There’s a platform, my Queen,” Faclan assured me quietly. “A lotus pedestal just beneath the surface. You won’t be submerged.”

I looked at where he was pointing. Sure enough, I could just make out a raised platform shaped like lotus petals positioned in the water’s

center.

But it was in complete darkness. The statue’s massive form blocked all moonlight from reaching that spot-it was like standing in a cave.

“Why there?” I couldn’t help asking. “The moon can’t reach that location. How am I supposed to receive moonlight when the statue is blocking everything?”

Faclan’s smile was gentle, almost apologetic. “Have faith, my Queen. Sincerity of heart is what matters. If your intentions are pure, the Moon Goddess will answer.”

I hesitated, uncertainty crawling up my spine.

That’s when I heard the whispers from the audience.

“Is she… scared?” Someone snickered softly.

“Oh dear, having second thoughts now? Bit late for that!”

“Maybe she’s not as confident as she pretends to be.”

The mockery lit a fire in my chest.

Fuck this.

I bent down, slipped off my heels and stockings, and grabbed my skirt. If they wanted to watch me wade into a pool in a thousand-dollar

dress, fine. I’d give them a show.

The water was shockingly cold as I stepped in-my breath caught for a moment before I forced myself forward. Each step brought me

deeper, the hem of my dress darkening as it absorbed water despite my best efforts to hold it up.

Finally, I reached the lotus platform and stepped onto it. The surface was stable but small, forcing me to stand perfectly still.

The statue loomed above me-oppressive, blocking out the sky like some vast shadow creature. Not a single ray of moonlight penetrated

this space. It was completely, utterly dark.

The audience fell silent. Waiting.

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14:45 Thu, Jan 22

Chapter 230

I waited too.

:

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Seconds stretched into minutes. I stood there, arms slightly raised, trying to feel… something. Anything. Some connection to the Moon

Goddess, some sign that I was worthy,

Nothing.

Just cold water lapping at my calves and shadow pressing down from above.

A horrible, familiar feeling crept over me. Four years ago, I’d stood in a different place, waiting for the Moon Goddess to acknowledge me. To give me my wolf. And she’d ignored me. Rejected me. Left me empty and humiliated in front of everyone.

Was this happening again?

No. No, no, no-

The water seemed to grow colder. A breeze picked up, making me shiver.

Fuck. Am I really about to be humiliated a second

Then I remembered Faelan’s words: Sincerity of heart.

I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and did something I’d never done before-I prayed. Not with the formal words of ritual, but with raw

honesty.

“Moon Goddess,” I whispered into the darkness. “I won’t blame you for whatever fate you’ve given me-the good or the bad. I’ve accepted

it all. But right now, I need guidance.”

My voice grew stronger. “If I’m worthy of being Queen-if this is truly my path-then let your light touch me. Let your blessing fall upon

me so everyone can see.”

I paused. Started to say the expected words: And if I’m not worthy, cast me back into darkness-

But the words stuck in my throat.

No.

“Fuck that,” I said aloud, my eyes snapping open. “Whether I’m worthy or not-that’s not for anyone else to decide. Not even you.”

My voice rang out clear and defiant across the silent sanctuary. “I don’t need your approval to know what I am. I don’t need your light to validate my strength.” I lifted my chin, staring up at the shadow-shrouded face of the Goddess. “So here’s what I’ll say instead: if I’m not worthy of your blessing, then your blessing isn’t worth having. Your light-the light everyone worships and reveres-means nothing if it

doesn’t shine on those who’ve earned it through their own power.”

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14:45 Thu, Jan 22

Alpha’s STOLEN Mate