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

made it; her first handmade

making it hard to speak. Without thinking, I strode over to her and threw my arms around her,

Mom. Thank

her touch lately. “You’re going to do

held in Crescent’s largest cathedral to the Moon Goddess. People had come

the hall, feeling a little awkward with so many eyes on me. But with

one

his back hunched 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 through me, seeking out the inflammation in his joints. His spine straightened under my touch, the wrinkles of pain

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

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Chapter 257

eyes filled

each person I touched, I felt my strength being siphoned away, the silver energy draining from me like a hole

our Mindlink. “I think you

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

then Edwin was suddenly beside me, his

around it automatically, and I raised it

the ceremony must come to an end. If anyone

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 dregs of my power. Not unless I wanted to

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 other under my knees and scooped me up. I didn’t resist as

the hall, he set me down and knelt in front

doing this to yourself?” he suddenly

anything,” I protested, although the words felt hollow even to my own ears. “I’m just trying to help

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

saw

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