Her Calling

E I G H T

E I G H T
khalid, coaster.

The next day actually was not any better and neither was the one after that nor the one after that. No day was any better, every day came and went and I spent it in the bath, on the toilet or in my bed. Instead, in all honesty, the days just got worse and I couldn't keep track of them. I don't know how many days I've spent like this I lost track after three.

The days dragged and with them left my happiness and pieces of me. He knew where I stayed, he knew what this would do to me but chooses day in and day out to let me suffer. Chooses to stay wrapped up in his castle and his lies.

Is it because Amanda and Anathi – and sometimes Dani – were here that he felt he didn't have to come? Or was he still afraid of being outed, too many people would now know his face, the face of a liar and cheat.

Some kind of King he was.

When night would fall I would beg the Moon, beg her for an answer, for a reason. Every night I got no response, just a bright light illuminating my face.

Why did I even spend time wishing and hoping that he'd come to see me then cursing him when he didn't, it's not like I actually want to his rancid, handsome, despicable, gorgeous face ever again.

As the days ticked on, the closer we got to the Ceremony and every time I thought of it, I just wanted to throw up.

I'm sure if my stomach wasn't as empty as it is I'd be huddled over by the toilet all day every day. When I did manage to get some food in, it was left by my door, I'd at least keep it down.

"Lerato."

My eyes shot up, was that my mother?

"Lerato Zamo, ngiyazi ukuthi ulapho. Vula umnyango."

[Lerato Zamo, I know you're in there. Open the door.]

"No." I said firmly.

"Lerato, kwenzenjani?"

[Lerato, what's happened?]

"Ma, please. Not today, I'm not ready."

"When will you be ready, Lerato? You've been in there for five days. Kea ukhathazekile, sonke sikhathazekile. Kuluma nami ingane yami."

[Kea is worried, we're all worried. Talk to me, my child.]

"Hhayi kona manje Ma, nesinye isikhati."

[Not right now Ma, maybe another time.]

I didn't want to face her, I didn't want to face anybody, I genuinely could not do it.

Another couple of days went by until my door flew off its hinges and went clattering to the ground. My eyes shot open and I instantly sat up, looking over at my broken door then over to the doorframe.

My eldest brother stood there, worry and anger written all over his face. I instantly was overcome by tears, my brother was here. He actually stopped his busy life to come and spend time with my pathetic ass. I couldn't believe it at all.

I suddenly also felt so stupid, so so stupid for letting this affect me like this. I was stronger than this, better than this. I am of Alpha blood, besides that dumb mate of mine, it doesn't get any better than this.

In fact, I am so damn strong and powerful I was chosen by the Moon to be the mate of the King. I was chosen by the Moon to be the Queen, to lead my kind. I am much stronger than I've been giving myself credit for.

"It ends today." TJ said.

I nodded my head, believing in the little pep talk I gave myself and in my brothers' words.