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

thinking, I strode over to her and threw my arms around her, although I was careful

Mom.

a little more strength to her touch lately. “You’re going to

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

with so many eyes on

began, and one

up first, 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

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

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Chapter 257

mother’s eyes filled with

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

voice echoed softly through our Mindlink. “I think

Not when there were still people waiting, still more to help. I reached for the next person in line, my hand trembling slightly as it hovered

and then Edwin was suddenly beside me, his hand slipping discreetly into mine and pressing

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

folks,” Edwin said, stepping forward 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 will announce

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 be broadcast being carried

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 other under my knees and scooped me up.

he set

you doing this to yourself?”

felt hollow even to my own ears. “I’m

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

looked away, unable to meet his gaze. He always knew, always saw right through me, even

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