LOGINChris shook his head, rolling his eyes. “Unbelievable,” he hissed as I smirked with satisfaction.The trip to the clinic went by a lot faster on wheels than on foot. Chris remained glued to my side, his hair falling into his eyes as he repeatedly checked on me. I simply smiled in the backseat, and w
Epilogue — Part IIAvaAs the balloon hit me square in the face, I stumbled back, nearly losing my balance. Chris’s strong arm caught me, steadying me as a chorus of “Surprise!” filled the air.Our living room had been transformed, covered with balloons and streamers in shades of blue and silver. A
Her imprisonment in New Moon was coming to an end, and soon she would be returning to Moonstone on parole. The thought filled me with a mixture of apprehension and hope, as it did all of us.But that was not coming for another month.As the Elders filed out, I leaned back in my chair, unable to keep
Before I could comment, the Elders finally filed in, their usual robes swishing around them as they moved. Fatima was now the Eldest since Elise was gone, and so she took the end of the table opposite Chris.Claire hobbled in after her; she had been leaning on a cane lately due to a sudden onset of
Epilogue — Part IAvaMy hand rested on my belly as I waddled through the doors, half-ignoring Chris’s presence. He sighed, letting the door fall shut behind me.“What’s wrong?” he asked, following me to the circular council table in the center of the room.“Nothing.”That was a lie.It was my 40th
For a moment, Chris was silent, his gaze intense as he searched my face. Then, without warning, he dropped to his knees, burying his face in my skirt. His arms wrapped around my waist, holding me close.“Goddess, I can’t wait to marry you,” he murmured, his voice muffled by the fabric.I smiled, run
Ava The sun was still low in the sky, barely even cresting the horizon as I wandered along the path. It was still early morning, but I couldn’t sleep; I couldn’t stop thinking about… well, everything. I had decided to go on a walk to get some fresh air and clear my head, without any real destina
Lily stopped beside the fountain, looking up at the ornate statue. “This is a beautiful garden,” she said softly. “These gardens have been tended by our finest botanists for centuries,” I replied. “I’ll admit, though, I don’t come here often.” “Why not?” she asked, casting me a sidelong glance.
Chris I stood frozen in the hallway, watching Lily’s retreating form as the echo of her sobs faded into silence. Only then did my actions finally settle in. What had I done? In my anger and confusion over Ava’s involvement with the Elders, I had lashed out—unfairly taking out my hurt and betraya
“It’s alright,” she said. “I understand.” I swallowed. “I want you to know that you’re very beautiful, and wonderful company,” I said, reaching across the table to touch her hand. “But yes. You’re right. And I’m sorry it has to be this way, but I don’t know if I could marry anyone while I’m still







