Liora narrows her eyes and shakes her head in obvious disbelief. No, she signs. I don’t believe it.
Truth, I sign.
Liora shakes her head. But she’s your mate. I smelled your mark on her. She can no longer be Seeress.
My lips twist into a bitter frown. It wasn’t true. She didn’t lose her Sight after I claimed her.
How do you know?
She had a vision.
When?
My stomach rattles like I swallowed rocks that have sunk to the bottom. Before she told me she belonged with the Moonborn. Just like you.
Liora stares at me then reaches for my arm.
I jerk back, not wanting her touch.
Noah…my son. Sorrow fills my mother’s face. Her eyes are wet with tears. Aster’s vision must have told her to stay. Maybe it was the only way to get us out. She wouldn’t abandon you. Just like I didn’t abandon you. She sacrificed herself.
I pick up the toaster from the kitchen counter and hurl it against the cabin wall so hard it crumples from the impact.
Sudden movement from the living room snags my gaze, and I see Oriana, who must’ve jumped in shock. Her mouth is open as if she screamed.
Choosing Moonborn over me was not a sacrifice. It was a choice. Own up to it, I sign and stalk outside, slamming the door behind me.
Aster
Noah’s gone.
I betrayed him.
I did it to save his life, but the look on his face tore me to shreds. There’s no more Aster. I died when I told Noah I didn’t want him as my mate. When I crushed his heart and all hope.
All around me sound the whistles and howls of enforcer wolves. They surround me. Their boots trample the daffodils, the crocuses, destroying the grove where I broke Noah’s heart. And my own. A full phalanx of them drag two weeping acolytes back to Adalwulf land. Soon Aiden will be here with the Warden, and I will learn my fate.
It doesn’t matter what happens to me. All that matters is that Noah will survive. Along with his mother and sister.
Go. Live. Be happy. Be free.
The largest enforcers crowd around me, their auras grey streaked with black. These are Aiden’s chosen Alpha Force. There’s a red sheen to their eyes, but they’re not fully soulless, not yet. One of them grabs my arm, holding me still. Another barks something at him, and he lets go as if burned.
The Alpha Force wolves glare down at me, crowding close but not daring to touch me.
I still have power and authority here. I need to use it.
I don’t care what happens to me, but I need to do something about the captured acolytes. They don’t deserve to die. And I need to do all I can to protect Noah and his family. I can only hope they run fast and far, escaping this place forever.
“I am the Seeress. I have returned to you. All will be well.” I have to fucking sell this, but my voice sounds hollow, imperious. Soulless.
I sound like Oma.
My wolf whines, wanting to go to Noah. Not understanding what we’ve done. Fierce, I tell her. Strong. Protect mate. Her power flows into me, stiffening my spine. In the recesses of my mind, I hear the Grandmothers whispering. I’m angry with them, though, so when I feel the visions ready to burst on me, I don’t allow them through. I use my newfound strength to keep them at bay. Maybe I’ll let them in when I’m alone. Safe.
Except, I won’t be safe. Without Noah, I’ll never be safe again. The thought makes my knees buckle, but somehow, I stay upright. It helps that Noah’s scent still clings to me. The mark on my neck throbs, reminding me why I’m doing this.
I smell the Warden’s mold-like scent before his order rings out, “Stay back from her. She’s dangerous.”
