“You’re always hungry,” I replied pointedly at him. It was the truth.
“Yeah, but I mean, I’m like super hungry right now. You might even say I’m borderline hangry. Plus, you know I stress-eat,” Donovan said as an excuse. He had a point he did eat when stressed, but that really didn’t matter much when he wouldn’t say no to food at any time. Didn’t matter how dire the circumstances. Consider the picnic while a giant dragon was headed our direction on the now flowery fields of Green Mount Lake’s shores. Anyways, my stomach was rumbling, so I guess I was hungry too.
“It appears we have things to attend to. Guards send word that all the Dragonkin and residents of Draconious are to meet in the central plaza outside the palace in two hours. Go cavern to cavern, home to home. No one is exempt. All must attend as they are being summoned by their sovereigns for matters of grave importance. We will have to speak to our people about what tomorrow will bring.
Furthermore, we’ll make aware of what our citizens may need to do to help protect our sacred realm. For now, let us go eat in our banquet hall. Matters are indeed best discussed over food,” ordered King Oro. Then pages and guards scattered to do as their sovereigns commanded.
As we made our way to eat, I came up to Kendra and reminded her, “Didn’t you have some news for me?”
She looked at me, gave me a strong hug, and confessed loudly for all to hear, “Congratulations, Leilah and Azrael. You’re going to be parents.” We all just stopped walking as a group and turned around.
“Excuse me?” Donovan, Azrael, and I said in unison and stared at Kendra. I’m confident my eyes were as wide as saucers as my friends. I was in shock. I must have misheard. Or it was too long without meditating and getting my Zen and ZZZs because this was not what Kendra implied. It couldn’t be. Maybe she meant in the future? Which, of course, would be better than now and make more sense. Also, it would point to surviving till in the future, which right now is looking iffy as fudge.
“Leilah, you’re pregnant!” she exclaimed with glee, oblivious to my horror. What the effing hell? This was no time to have a baby. I didn’t even know I could have a baby. How can I have a bay in a war?
“Not one, Leilah. You’re having twins. Yes, it is happening, and it is meaningful and significant. Your children are destined for great things on the challenging roads ahead. They will indeed be like all children on this planet. A precious gift from the stars. A rare gem that others will find refuge in on New Terra should we be victorious in our trials ahead. Have no fear, you and Azrael will be wonderful parents. After all, we borrow the world from our children and fight to make it better for them,” Kendra added sagely and annoyingly accurate. I expanded my awareness of my womb, and she was right. Two minds were developing quickly at an accelerated pace within my belly. Waves of pride, love, and compassion flooded my bond from Azrael. He was the father, and he was supportive and so full of joy. It was hard to separate my anxieties or worries from his immense faith and excitement. Azrael wanted this. He wanted this more than anything in the world. Even surrounded by the chaos that would soon start, he was overjoyed and proud.
“Are you effing serious right now? We’re about to battle Archdemons and Lillith’s armies the world, and you’re telling me I’m pregnant,” I yelled loud enough to shake the walls of the wide hallway that led to the banquet hall. Which knocked a vase of flowers off a pedestal, shattering it. Oh, crap, I needed to keep myself mindful and under some semblance of control. I forget that emotions manifest quite intensely for gods or god-ascendants. Okay, deep breaths. “Nucking Futs!”
“My beloved, don’t you understand the miracle we created? Two children and the first to be of previously Angelic originated blood is growing so perfectly as a result of our love? These godlings conceived through our star-coursed bonds will be of great benefit to all the realms. They will be cared for, nurtured, and are a sign that no matter the trials and obstacles we face in our path, we indeed will create blessed souls to inherit our world. This is a miracle, my beautiful star-coursed wife. We will teach them the ways of the light. They will thereby be born as a testament to all our virtuous deeds. Please be at ease and rejoice. These sparks you carry of divine nature will dispel the darkness that lies ahead. They are hope and a reason for us to succeed in creating a world where they may be free. For the children, inherit the world from our actions. I can't think of no other that would be a better mother as you have swelled my heart with only our vows. Our children will greet the dawn of a new era. One where we are victorious, and they inherit the fruits of our labor. Congratulations, my beloved. I’m so proud of these gifts you carry,” Azrael said lovingly while wrapping me in his arms with caressing hands below my navel. He sent so much love and joy through our bond I couldn’t help but feel the majestic beauty that resulted from our union.
The victory was our only option. Azrael was right. This was a star given gift, a genuine miracle upon which no other miracles were to be compared. Lilith and the Archdemons would have to be defeated. Our resolve would allow us no other choice. We had plenty of reasons to battle before. Still, now these two extraordinary miracles inside me would give us a higher purpose for indeed, no matter how challenging the path to victory was, I’d fiercely protect the gifts the stars granted.
“You’re right, my love. I feel them now growing rather quickly in my womb. We must carve a world of virtue and positivity to bring our beloved children into. We shall create a world without the darkness of Lilith’s tainted and poisonous ambitions. We must be victorious. All of us had plenty to fight for before. However, I ask all of you assembled to also fight for our children. For defeat is not an option. We must stop Lillith and all her deviant retinue and plans for this world. I’d see our children inherit a planet where they were safe, healthy, and loved by us all,” I confessed with conviction.
“Congratulations, Leilah. Be as strong as I know you are. A single match can dispel any shadow or darkness. We will protect your children with our lives. For it is true. We not only fight for our friends, allies, and our world, but also for the world all of our offspring and the generations of all kin will inherit.. We will succeed. We have no choice. Now let’s go eat. You have to eat for three now, so we best get started,” Donovan conveyed while thinking compassionately and simultaneously uplifting with his bottomless stomach. Yet, there was truth and endearment in his words.
I, Leilah, the bearer of the celestial seeds and former Angel of the Celestial Night Sky, daughter of Arya Tara and Amagosiddhi of Prakuta, would give birth to two blessed children in our reshaped world.
Those Archdemons, Lillith, and her demonic magicks would be defeated. For we had no other choice. I couldn’t think of a better family of friends to support me on the journey ahead. Lilith, wherever she was, would find herself at the end of our blades. For she would never succeed in taking this joy from us or anyone else.
Afterward
AFTERWARD
Our hero's journey continues in Sacred Earth, the final book in the Sacred series trilogy.
Sacred Earth will follow the path of all your favorite adventurers as they battle to save not only the seven realms but the planet itself. They will also have to work to fulfill their oaths to restore Lunaria, the eighth realm, and save all of humankind from Lillith and the Archdemons’ nefarious plans.
Sacred Earth will be the manifestation of all of the plans the stars have in store for our adventurers.
The battle of all battles. Filled with the obstacles and challenges none of our allied friends and heroes could have ever prepared for or imagined facing before.
One thing is for certain, the world would forever change. Things never go as planned, and the world they may find themselves in will never be the same again.
Stay tuned for Sacred Earth, book three of the Sacred series. The battle for Terra has just begun, and only the strongest and most courageous will make it to its end.
Even then, what will the whole of Terra and this world system look like after the impendi
ng war ahead?
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
There are so many people I'd like to thank personally for supporting, encouraging, and giving me the means to publish this book.
Thank you to my husband, who has the hardest job of all. Not only loving me one-hundred percent but working hard to support us both while also being my caregiver. It's a challenge to unequivocally love someone with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, but he does it like a pro! The patience, therapy, doctors' appointments, my moods, and what we call 'Moments' are stressful, but he's my rock. Always and Forever, I'm grateful to my Hero Husband!
A special thanks to my adoptive family and friends: Michelle, Laura, Stefanie, Will, Jeff, John, Aaron, Amanda, Monique, Kristen, Dustin, Enrique, Chris, Christie, Lori, Khenpo, Andrea, Carol, my Mother and Father-in-law I wouldn't be here today without you! Also to my Beta-readers, Editor and Proofreader.
Gosh, even my therapists, doctors, psychiatrist, nurses, and the surgeons that helped heal my face, mind, and body from combat wounds and encouraged me to write as therapy! You Rock! Thank you all for believing in me! The list could go on forever, but I'll stop here for now!
AUTHORS COMMENTARY
Wow! You made it this far! Thank you very much for reading my novel Sacred Moon, book two of the Sacred series. It’s been years of writing and a lot of hard work, but this is finally getting polished for a final draft before I submit it to my editor and publisher.
For all of you who make comments; Thank you for your feedback. Your dedication and uplifting comments have helped create this story and given me so much healing and light.
Sacred Moon is over one-hundred-twenty-thousand words. It's been completely rewritten since it was originally posted to Wattpad. A lot of heart went into my works.
My circumstances are not as easy as my mental faculties provide many obstacles. However, this book indeed has helped me focus, heal, and be of great therapeutic help for me. I encourage all of you around the world to write, read, dream and believe in yourselves. We all have a story to share. Don’t let the world convince you that you’re not good enough, educated enough, or capable of being able to accomplish your dreams. You can grow, learn, heal, and succeed in anything with enough effort, perseverance, patience, and compassionate intentions.
This book is an adventure full of Magick and Fantasy for both you and me. It’s also been of great help to those who, like me, who once thought they didn’t deserve or were able to have their voice heard. I appreciate you all so much for reading my works. My advice to all of you is to be kind. You can be anything in this world, but kindness is a quality we all benefit from. A smile and laughter are known in every culture and language. Be the reason someone smiles and support your friends, acquaintances, family, and those in need.
As I work on Sacred Earth, book three, I'll be simultaneously polishing this book for submission to my editor. Therefore, pretty please with metaphysical cherries on top, proofread for me! Be my beta-readers. Comment, engage with me and reach out to me. I'll do my best to respond promptly.
Looking forward to showing you the rest of the series!
Now things you may or may not know about me.
I'm an unrecognized poet. I have a PTSD blog poetry driven website. https://thekindgardener.com
You can also find me by following the following links to my social media sites.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thekindgardener Twitter: https://twitter.com/thekindgardener Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekindgardener/
Now you have all the tools to be a stalker! You're welcome! Oddly I haven’t posted any pictures of my home-made rice pudding! Maybe I’ll share the recipe for you one day.
Want to know more about me? Well, if you do read on.
I live in Northern Virginia with my HubbÿKîńš in a beautiful and humble home. Proud dad of a service dog named Arya.
My superpowers are edible gardening, reading, and hanging out in small settings with friends and neighbors. Cooking, decorating on a literal dime, and attending Eastern Philosophy retreats is a favorite healing pastime.
I went back to writing after working for corporate America for entirely too long and being diagnosed with PTSD after some challenging, traumatic life events and circumstances. Writing, gardening, and reading really do help!
I wish everyone happiness in every measure and grateful for anyone who's taken the time to read my self-published works and supports those works that are to follow this one.
I wish you all happiness in every measure. Stay tuned for book three will be out soon. There will also be several other stories published throughout the year. I appreciate you all, my lovely readers. Thanks for believing in me!
Some Books in the cue for publishing will be: Let Him Stay, Vampire Ascension, Children of Light, and of course, Sacred Earth. Follow me anywhere. You all inspire me!
Character List
Donovan – God-ascendant star-coursed with Abaddon and lover of food.
Abaddon – God-ascendant Angel of Creation and Destruction, star-coursed with Donovan
Leilah – God-ascendant Angel of Celestial Night Sky
Kendra – Manager of Sacred Sun, Nature Goddess
Leona – Silver Leaf Fae Goddess of Water
Quicksilver – Unicorn God of Metals, star-coursed with Bezaliel
Bezaliel – Angel was known as the Watcher or Shadow of Gods, star-coursed with Quicksilver
Spirit – Unicorn goddess of Healing
Swift - Unicorn god of Fire
Onyxia – Unicorn Shifter
Jetsunma – Unicorn Goddess of Air
Fevian – Unicorn Shifter
Jeremiah – Kindred star-coursed with Pahaliah
Pahaliah – Angel of Virtuosity star-coursed with Jeremiah
Yomiel – Angel of Spring
Rhea- Queen of the Dragonkin and a Shadow Dragon
Oro – King of the Dragonkin and star-coursed Golden Dragon to Queen Rhea
Rowan – King of Madera Realm of Wood Elves
Hazel – Queen of Madera Realm of Wood Elves
Padme – Queen of the Snow-lion Shifters of Shangrila
Tenzin – King of the Snow-lion Shifter of Shangrila
Lux – King of the Light Elves of Shunyata
Lumena – Queen of the Light Elves in Shunyata
Tryst – King of the Dwarves of Iron Sky
Mauve – Queen of the Dwarves of Iron Sky
Esmarelda – Queen of the Emerald Elves
Emeris – King of the Emerald Elves
Lillith – Self-proclaimed goddess of the Vampires and usurper Queen of Lunaria, commonly referred to as Shadowrealm
Sacred Moon: Book 2 Page 37