I let out a shaky breath, forcing myself to look at her. “What if I’m not enough for him, Rhea? What if… what if I never was?”
Rhea stops walking, turning to face me fully. Her eyes are fierce, her grip on my arm tightening. “You are enough,” she says, her voice leaving no room for doubt. “You’ve always been enough. Don’t let your fears blind you to the truth. Kael chose you for a reason. You’re his Luna, Talia. And you’re strong enough to handle whatever comes your way.”
I nod, swallowing hard, though the knot in my chest doesn’t completely loosen. “I just wish I could see it—I wish I could see myself as worthy of being a Luna.”
Rhea’s expression softens, and she pulls me into a brief hug. “You will. But you need to believe in yourself first. And in fate. You’ve always trusted the path, Talia. Don’t lose that now.”
Her words settle over me like a balm, and I nod again, though my heart still feels heavy.
We continue down the path until Grandma’s den comes into view, the small, humble structure nestled among the trees. As we approach, the air feels heavier, almost stifling. A strange stillness hangs over the den, and dread coils in my stomach.
Rhea and I exchange a glance before stepping inside. The room is dim, the only light coming from the small fire crackling in the hearth. Grandma lies on the bed, her frail body barely rising with each shallow breath.
“Grandma!” I rush to her side, dropping to my knees as I take her hand in mine. Her skin is cool, her fingers trembling slightly as they curl around mine. “Grandma, it’s me. It’s Talia. Can you hear me?”