MasukChris 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
“Elder Bradley,” I said with a polite incline of my head, quickly smoothing down my skirt. “Yes, we are.”Bradley’s eyes caught mine, and I swore I saw a knowing glint in them. Had he seen everything? Heard everything? Bradley was typically one of the more jovial Elders, but he was also the most anx
AvaChris tightened his grip around my waist and began leading me over to the food table. “All this socializing is making me hungry,” he said, leaning in close so I could hear. “Let’s get something to eat.”I nodded, still a bit dazed after my dance with the man known as Dedrick. Something about him
“Chris…” “I know, I know,” he said with a wave of his hand. “Too much, too soon. But can you blame me for being excited? I want to be with you, Ava.” “I know you do.” I swallowed and set my jaw, looking away momentarily. “But… I don’t think I could ever live here permanently. This world is extra
Ava The cool marble of the bench chilled the backs of my legs as I sat with Chris in the sculpture garden, compelling me to nuzzle into him ever so slightly. We sat in silence, just taking in the view. “Well?” Chris asked. “What do you think?” I paused for a moment, then turned and reached up







