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

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

perfect, Mom. Thank

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

was being held in Crescent’s largest cathedral to the Moon Goddess. People had come from all over, some to be healed but many

little awkward with so many eyes on me. But with Edwin beside me, I managed a warm smile and took a deep

ceremony began, and one by one, they

he walked with the help of a cane. I placed my hands gently 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 my touch, the

brought her son, a boy no older than ten. He had a fever that hadn’t broken for days and it was making him delirious. I knelt in

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Chapter 257

his mother’s eyes filled with

like a hole in a sinking ship. But I refused to stop, even when Edwin began to get

through our Mindlink. “I think you need

person in line, my hand trembling slightly as it hovered over a young woman’s sprained wrist. But before I could place my hand

suddenly beside

around it automatically, and I raised it to my nose, dabbing away blood before anyone

crowd. “I’m afraid the ceremony must come to an end. If anyone needs immediate attention, please

I knew Edwin was right. I physically wouldn’t be able to heal anyone else now that

straight, until we were out of view. Once we were alone, Edwin looped one arm around my waist and the other under my knees and scooped me up. I didn’t

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

doing this to

I protested, although the words felt hollow even

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

always saw right through me, even when I wasn’t ready to face the

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