I Do Not Believe In Her

They went out through the backdoor to a small garden. She took a deep breath and covered her face.

'People had bartered with animals and their furs. It is fine. Maybe that is why he has so many of these items,' she tried to calm herself.

"I apologize," she cleared her throat, "I just… Didn't see you as someone who collected those things."

"What things?" He asked and she turned her teary purple eyes to him.

"The furs, the animals…"

"Those were my father's. This is my father's home," Daniels explained, "He enjoyed hunting. I would have gotten rid of them, but my father was proud of what he accomplished."

"So…" she started slowly, "If you were to have your own home, would you… decorate it like him?"

"You are asking a lot of questions about me," Daniels mentioned, "And I know nothing about you."

Ah, yes. Daniels was right. She nodded and waited for his questions.

"Who are you?"

"People call me by many names, but Moon is fine."

"…"

"…"

"You mentioned you came from the forest and you have not seen the world for a while. Why? Were you sick perhaps?"

"I was recovering, yes."

Daniels stared at her with brown eyes searching her face. The wind played softly with their hair and Moon really hoped her intuition was right with this man. However, there would be an issue if she marked him. She didn't know if he even cared for her or his people. She reached her hand to cupped his face and the redhead leaned toward her.

"Do you love the Moon Goddess?" She whispered.

"No."

Their lips were close and she would have sealed the deal, but the answer felt like a knife into her heart. She pulled away and looked at the garden for a while. She could not mark one who does not love her. If she did, then they would not use the gift she would bless them for good. Sighing, she wrapped her arms around herself and looked at her brother watching her.

'Brother, what can I do?'

"Why?" She questioned him after a long moment.

"The Moon Goddess had left us. She did not provide help or assistance when needed."

"What if she was busy?" She tried, "Her powers are not infinite, Sir Daniels Barrett. Do you not see that?"

Daniels stared at her and he saw desperation. Was Moon a strong believer of the Moon Goddess? Was that why she chose to live in the forest instead of society with them? Was that why he had never seen her?

"You asked about the statues of the Moon Goddess. Some still pray, but I do not. I do not believe in her."

It hurt. She felt as if a knife stabbed her and twisted it tightly against her bone. She stepped away from him and ran. She ran out of his home and down the path into the village. She was so angry, so sad, so broken that she didn't realize this entire time, the skin on her bare feet were ripping.

When she was tired of running, she saw one of her statue outside of a home. She walked up to it, fell to her knees, and cried. Not only were people no longer loving her, but they also no longer believe she existed. Her powers were diminishing, and she could feel it ebbing in and out like a broken current.

An elder man and woman opened the door to poke their head out. They saw her staring at the statue in tears.

"Young lady," The man smiled, "Do not worry. Our goddess will hear your tears. She will do her best to protect you."

"Come inside," the female helped her up, "I have made tea. You can tell us your worries and we will pray for you as well, dear."

She walked into the room and a hit of safety, loyalty, and love washed over her. She gasped looking around the room to see her favorite items placed near an image of her. Fresh plum flowers were placed in a golden vase. A jade rabbit and a silver wolf sat side by side before the old hand painted image of her. It was only an outline, but the artist captured her so well.

"The Moon Goddess works hard for us, but so many people disregard her so quickly these days," The elder female sighed.

"Why do they?" She questioned turning to the female. The lady waved her over to sit on the floor cushion. She sat down and thanked the elder male who handed her a cup of tea.

"Thank you, sir."

"You are welcome," he smiled, "Ah, many did not live in the time we had. They don't understand all that the Moon Goddess had done of us."

"Yes," the female elder nodded, "I was five when I witnessed her."

The elder closed her eyes and smiled, remembering the very moment she met the Moon Goddess.

"I was out in the field at night, picking flowers to surprise my mother and father. I told myself just 2 flower is enough, but while I was picking, I wanted to grab a bundle instead. It would look better to surprise them with a bundle instead of 2 small flowers. So, while I was picking, there was a man who had been walking around town."

The female elder sighed before looking at her and smiling.

"I could have been taken away, but the Moon Goddess descended right before me. There were no words that explain what I saw, except that she truly was a Goddess. It was also the first time I heard her voice, clear and soft. When I realized what she was saying, I turned to see that man being held by her chosen werewolf."

Moon's hand was cupped in warm aged ones, and the female's smile turned into a grin.

"If it weren't for you, I know I would have never seen my parents again. You saved my life, so I will forever pray to you, My Moon Goddess."

Her purple eyes widened and she heard the couple laughing seeing her reaction.

"I wouldn't had recognize you if you didn't speak, My Goddess. But I could never forget your voice. Your look… Did you change it?" The elder female questioned sipping from her tea.

Moon found herself laughing with tears in her eyes. Her heart felt so much comfort from just being in the warmth of both elders. They were welcoming, and their love for her, she could feel exuding their entire body.