Mag-log inChris 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
But even then, I had to look away. This was dangerous territory, not just for us, but for everyone we cared about.It was only then that I realized that a heavy silence had fallen over the cavern once more, thick and oppressive. Ophelia and Leonard had stopped their childlike play and were now tread
AvaI wiped the water from my eyes, my heart still pounding from the leap Chris and I had taken into the glowing pool. As I gasped for breath, pushing tendrils of damp hair away from my face, I caught sight of Ophelia and Leonard still engaged in a splash war across the pool.Chris emerged beside me
I couldn’t help but snort at the suggestion, shaking my head in disbelief. “Ophelia, we’re not teenagers anymore.”“Speak for yourself, darling,” she quipped. “I, for one, relish any opportunity to let loose and have a bit of fun—no matter my age.”Chris, who had been watching our exchange in silenc
AvaI sighed as I scanned the list of tasks the lead decorator had given me, my heart sinking a little more with each item. Picking up the floral centerpieces, setting up the photography backdrop, ensuring the refreshment tables were properly stocked—it was all just a harsh reminder of the reality I







