Chapter 49

"Stefano, I know you're in there." Francesca ducked, Stefano's claw narrowly missing her head by an inch, "Please speak to me."

"Keep going." Selene urged her.

"Stefano, please listen to me. I know this is not what you want. This world did not treat you well, so you had to make do with what you have in order to find happiness again." Francesca tried again, "Think about the good in you, Stefano, please. And find it in your heart to cherish it again. Think about Emilia."

It worked. Stefano paused at the mention of his mate's name. He looked around him, disoriented. Then, he seemed like he had just realized where they were. In the library, back when he was a young Alpha, back when Emilia was still alive.

"That's her name, isn't it? Emilia." Francesca continued, "The moon goddess, she...she told me everything. About you. How you came to her with a wish, how you met your mate and how she...died."

At the word 'died', Stefano's anger renewed. He tried to destroy the table behind him. Bu