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 piece

at once, catching in my throat and making it hard to speak. Without thinking, I strode

Mom.

strength to her touch

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

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

one by

as 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

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

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Chapter 257

eyes

the silver energy draining from me like a hole in a sinking ship.

through our Mindlink. “I think you need a

still more to help. I reached for the next person in line, my hand trembling slightly as it hovered over a young woman’s

froze, blinking in surprise, and then Edwin was suddenly beside me, his hand slipping discreetly

fingers tightened around it automatically, and I raised it to my nose, dabbing away

to address the crowd. “I’m afraid the ceremony must come to an end. If anyone needs immediate attention, please speak with my Beta. Otherwise, we

murmurs from the crowd made 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

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 looped one arm around my waist and the

one of the private rooms at the end of the hall, he set me down and knelt in front of me

are you doing this to yourself?”

words felt hollow even to my own ears. “I’m just trying

shook his head. “No, Audrey. This is more

meet his gaze. He always knew, always saw right through me, even when I wasn’t ready to face the truth

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