Free Love Begins in Hell (The Moon Journals: Part 1) by Ally Thomas

flames of the smoldering fire.  My vision adjusted as I noted how completely dark the night had become.  Dante muttered in his sleep.  I went to him and placed my fingertips on his wrist.  He still had a pulse and was breathing evenly.  He’s fine, I thought.  And he said we were safe here.   With that in mind, I decided to explore the beach some.
    I looked out across the water to where the strong wind had surfaced.  The waters were calm like all life in the sea had stopped.  I glanced out at the end of the pier, thinking I wouldn’t see anyone, but I did.  The moonlight appeared, bathing a figure in light.  The person retreated and sat down in the hammock, looking my way beckoning me to join him or her, then reclining in the hammock, rocked back and forth, whistling.  I remained frozen, closing my eyes temporarily, so I could focus on the sound.  Did I know the tune?  I could hear the song floating over the breeze.  Hush, little baby, don't say a word, Mama's gonna buy you a mockingbird.
    My throat tightened and my legs lurched forward.  Could it be?  My mother had sung that lullaby to me when I was a baby.  Could it be her?  Cautiously I made my way out along the pier, hoping against hope it was my mother.  When I approached the figure, I realized she was a woman.  She wore a white chiffon dress that hovered and moved around her.  The dress sparkled with gems that had been woven throughout the sleeves and upper bodice.
    Taking a moment to stand, the woman tossed her blonde hair away from her face and over her shoulder, just the way my mother did.  I recognized the gesture immediately.  Her face, I did not recognize.  But her eyes.  Her eyes I recognized.  They were the color of mine. Tranquil pools of amber love gazing up at me.
    “Elana, my love.”
    “Mother?” I ventured.  It had to be her.
    “Yes, my love,” she said.  “Don’t let my appearance concern you.  It is me.”
    “What happened?” I asked as I took her feeble hand in mine and guided her along the pier towards the beach.  I wanted to hug her, but I was afraid I’d break her in half.  She was so gaunt and frail.
    “The last token of friendship my best friend took from me before she pushed into the fire.  Since then, I’ve aged some while learning my magic.  The previous Moon Goddess retired and handed things over to me.  I have some big shoes to fill.”
    I halted in my tracks, glancing down at my dress, and then at her.  “ You are the Moon Goddess?”
    She simply winked at me, a hint of calculating knowledge crossing her features.
    “This is wonderful!” I exclaimed.
    In response, a grin beamed on her face.  “You were always such a natural wolf.  You understand, yes?”
    “I think so.”
    “Let me look at you,” she stated, again changing the subject.  “You have grown up into such a beautiful lady.  Look at you!”  She stifled a thin giggle of excitement.  “Do I look that old to you, my darling?  Too old to hug?  Oh what am I saying?  That doesn’t matter, let me look at you.  I’m so happy to see you!”
    It was indeed my mother!  Her constant chatter.  Her changing subjects often.  It was indeed her.  When we made it to the end of the wooden pier, she whirled me around and fastened both her hands on my elbows like clamps.  There was no mistaking.  She may look old, but her grip was strong and firm.  Her strength had increased, not diminished.  Her magic probably had as well.  It would have to if she was now the Moon Goddess.  Her nails dug into my flesh and I quietly cringed, pretending I felt no pain.
    “It’s been so long,” I said, wrapping my arms around her waist as I hugged her.  Delicately, I cradled her bony frame against my body.  Foregoing the formalities, I planted a huge kiss on each of her wrinkled cheeks which seemed to delight her.
    It seemed my stepmother had drained the very life source from her.  I felt enraged.  A wave of anger flashed across my