26

LUCY 

After Melody removed the dark magic from my body, I could feel Astrid sinking back to the recess of my mind. Whereas before, she was always on edge like she was on a tight rope and could slip at any time. I could feel her looming over me, over every decision I made, every emotion I felt. It was oddly peaceful but lonely having her so far back in my subconscious. Was this how normal wolf/human counterparts interacted? Damon was beaming. He was so happy we were actually fated mates like he knew all along, and Melody confirmed it all for him. I am delighted too, really happy but also shocked and betrayed that Kilian would do that to me. That he would trick me like that. He acted like he loved me, but all he wanted was my abilities, womb, and bloodline. I felt my blood boil, and I was trying so hard to shove it down so Astrid wouldn't come forward. Then I noticed she wasn't there. She was just in my mind, not bothered by this at all. I reached out to her.