Chapter 257

Audrey

I stared at my reflection in the full–length mirror, taking in my appearance one last time before the ceremony.

Today was my first Healing Ceremony; it was something that Edwin and I had discussed, a way to heal Crescent residents who needed the help without having to make a million trips to hospitals. Pre–screened pack members in need of healing would line up, and the Silver Star would heal them.

Of course, we could only help so many, and only those with minor afflictions would be cured at events like this. But it was a

start.

The dress that was chosen for the ceremony was exquisite–floor–length with delicate silver embroidery that glittered and danced as it caught the light with every turn of my hips. It was tailored perfectly to my body, the neckline stopping at the center of my throat and the sleeves coming down into two shimmering bell shapes, and the skirt flared out a little at the knees.

It was modest and elegant, but also subtly sexy.

“Do you like it?”

I turned, my eyes meeting my mother’s in the mirror. She was standing just a few steps away, wringing her hands nervously. There was something about her body language that gave me pause.

“Did you make this?” I found myself asking.

She nodded, looking a little sheepish. “I worked on it whenever I had spare time. I wanted you to have something special for your first official healing ceremony. Something that reflects both your role as the Silver Star and as my daughter.”

I turned fully, my eyes widening. The stylist had brought me the dress earlier, claiming that an unknown designer had made it. I knew something was off then, but I’d figured that Edwin had made it or commissioned it and was just trying to surprise,

  1. me.

But

my

her first handmade

emotions hit me all at once, catching in my throat and making it hard to speak. Without thinking, I strode over to her and threw my arms around her, although I was careful not

perfect, Mom. Thank

me gently. There was a little more strength to her touch lately. “You’re going to do wonderfully today.

cathedral to the Moon Goddess. People had come from all over, some to

with so many eyes on me. But with Edwin beside me, I managed a warm smile

and one by

on his shoulders, feeling the familiar pull of my power as it flowed through me, seeking out the inflammation in his joints. His spine straightened under

had a fever that hadn’t broken for days and it was making him delirious. I knelt in front of him, placing my

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09.21

Chapter 257

eyes

felt my strength being siphoned away, the silver energy draining from me like a hole in a sinking ship. But

our Mindlink. “I think

still people waiting, still more to help. I reached for the next person in line, my hand trembling slightly as it hovered over a young woman’s sprained wrist. But before I could place my hand

beside me, his hand slipping discreetly into mine

automatically, and I raised it

for today, folks,” Edwin said, stepping forward to address the crowd. “I’m afraid the ceremony must come to an end. If anyone needs

my chest ache, but I knew Edwin was right. I physically wouldn’t be able to heal anyone else now that I was down to the dregs of my power. Not

placed his hand on my back, guiding me through the nearby door to the back room behind the cathedral. I somehow managed not to stumble, holding my head high and back straight, until we were out of view. Once we were alone, Edwin

end of the hall, he set me down and knelt in

doing this

although the words felt hollow even to my own ears. “I’m

shook his head. “No, Audrey. This is more than that. You’re

He always knew, always saw right through me, even when I wasn’t ready

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