I take the slender stem of one of the filled glasses from him, and we clink them together. “To us,” I say.
His eyes grow serious. “To you.”
“No. To us. There’s an us now. We’re a team. You’re not a lone wolf anymore. Not ever again.”
Noah’s eyes grow moist, and he leans his forehead against mine for a moment then kisses my lips. “We should tell my nan. Do you want to meet her?”
My heart squeezes in my chest. “Of course.”
Noah sets our champagne glasses down, and we pull on our shirts before he videocalls his grandmother with the phone propped up on the tray of food in front of the ice bucket.
A woman who looks like an older version of Liora except with dark hair cut into a shaggy layered bob answers. For a moment, their hands fly, and no one speaks out loud, so I’m lost, but then the she-wolf says, “Aster, it’s so wonderful to meet you.” Her eyes are damp with tears.
“Aster, this is Nan,” Noah says.
“Hi, Nan.” I wave and smile.
“Look at your beautiful mark. My darling! I can’t wait to hug you in person.” She signs something to Noah, who chuckles.
“Yes, she’s a wolf. She’s an Adalwulf, actually.” Noah signs and speaks out loud, so I can follow.
Nan’s smile fades and concern creeps between her brows.
“She helped me find Liora.”
Nan goes perfectly still, her body on rigid alert. “And?”
“And I have a little sister.”
Nan’s face turns pale. Her lips start to tremble. “Will she leave? Can you get her out?”
Noah nods. “We’re going to figure out how to get them both out. Liora wants out now, too. For Oriana–her daughter.”
“But they’re not with you now?” I can see the alarm on Nan’s face. She knows enough about the Moonborn to know it’s not easy for anyone to leave.
Noah shakes his head. “No, but I will go back for them. I have a plan.”
Nan frowns but nods then turns her attention back to me. “Aster, my child. I’m so happy you and Noah found each other. Please be careful.”
I nod. “We will.”
“Take care of each other,” she says.
“We will.” Noah gives her the “ILY” sign, and they hang up.
“Do you have a plan?” I ask. Because I’d like to hear it, so I know what we’re going to do.
He pops a square of cheese in my mouth. “No. Not yet. But I’m working on it.”
Chapter Eighteen
Aster
I’m awakened by a soft glowing light. At first, I think it’s a vision or a dream, but then I come fully awake and remember–I no longer have the Sight. I feel relief followed by a sense of loss. It’s worth it, though. I’d trade anything to be with Noah.
Beside me, Noah is looking at something on his phone. That’s the source of the light that woke me. The bedroom curtains are still drawn, and there’s a little light slipping in, but not much. It’s probably just after dawn.
“Hey.” I touch his arm gently and wait for him to turn to me before asking. “What are you doing?”
