Chapter 241
Half an hour later, I stumbled away from
Tristan’s body and into Asher’s warm embrace.
My legs had been reduced to jelly, and my magical reserves drained so low they might never recover. I could only imagine how much blood and rest it would take before they were back to normal again.
Asher’s voice washed over my shoulders, his breath fluttering against my cheek, but the blood roaring in my ears kept me from hearing.
I’d poured everything into Tristan- everything.
Holly and Giovanni remained rooted in place, searching for any sign of life whether it be a heartbeat or an influx of breath. The inky strands of my half-sister’s hair cascaded down Tristan’s shoulder, hanging off the side of the table he’d been placed onto.
With her ear placed against his chest, she waited and waited.
I understood her worry. Really, I did. Her mother had to sacrifice ten witches just to lock my father’s soul into my body. While I didn’t have ten innocent people to slaughter, I did have something else on my side.
That otherworldly and very much feminine presence that had taken over just minutes before, allowing me a split second of control when I needed it most, hadn’t left me. It was still here, bubbling in my veins and wrapping itself around my body in a shroud of silk.
As I used it to strengthen my own magic, I swore I heard its whisper ring in my ears before vanishing completely, melting into the night sky and the stars that watched over head.
“…just this once.’ It had said.
When it left, and I felt its absence ringing in my soul, I whispered a quick thank you to the Moon Goddess.
During the walk back to the house, Asher recounted what happened the moment I slipped away. Half of the story he told with words, while the other came in the form of memories dancing down the mate-bond.
Witches had poured into the pack, concealed by Angelica’s twin sister, who had also survived the battle. In fact, the two of them were currently in the living room, watching television like two normal children. The witches had split into groups, some attacking the town while others came to the house, beckoned by Cassidy’s call.
Those who went into town were met with not only warriors, but pack members who took it upon themselves to defend their own.
Even my dad, who was now safe with Flora visiting grandma in the hospital, had joined the battle.
As for Cassidy herself, I witnessed her death in Asher’s memory, and relished every gruesome second.
way into the pack at the ripe age of seven years old, replacing the real Cassidy who had been kidnapped
in over ten years. Cassidy might have
tightly that nothing could dare pull us apart, we
a branch, or the first droplet of rain colliding with the hard ground. Holly’s ragged gasp told me it was neither of
turned into ten,
surged into his lungs. The sound was deafening, a clash of cymbals that made my ears ring and eyes water. It was the sound of a soul awakening, taking control of a body that should’ve belonged to
wound created by dark magic; one I knew would
to my father, I was met with a familiar shade just
his mouth, quiet like a prayer.
of the dead. I’d been too focused on Tristan to notice the bodies, but from the scent of blood and decay, I could tell there were plenty. Breyona, Giovanni, Asher, and I remained inside, witnessing
becoming wet with tears. Holly’s shoulders shook, and while her hair created a barrier
crying myself until Asher’s soft lips grazed my cheek and the rough
to them.”
with the same awe and anxiety as I did, both of us wondering if this would turn into a reunion
hit them just
did good, brother.” Giovanni admitted, emotion seeping through the rough cracks in
movement was a bit slow, but he had
didn’t
rasp Holly turned and snatched up one of the blood bags from the cooler Asher had placed on the table. My mouth watered as the scent hit the air, rich and sweet in a way that reminded me of dark chocolate and nectarines. It was easy to ignore the pull to feed
Holly, finally coming to
“My Queen.”
were his last words-the very ones he uttered as
as it
the ice that encased them thaw
know why.” He replied.
I’m your Queen, because that’s bullsh*t. You knew Freya’s spell would
the acceptance in my eyes and in Holly’s that gave
mistake believing there was only one type of love. You made me realize there wasn’t one, but many. You are a force of nature, something this world has needed for centuries. Every challenge you’ve faced, you met it head on. You are strong, compassionate, and care for people you don’t even know. Someone needed to die for you to continue the work you started. It
between you two, and I won’t ask you to let that go, but I will ask you for something else. I ask you for your
eyes fell shut, her lower lip quivering as she slowly sucked in a stream of air. Despite the way my heart reached out for her, I kept my eyes and attention on Tristan. I forgave Holly for her betrayal, but I wasn’t sure if I could ever trust her again. I
I’m not-I’m not good, and you deserve good.” She whispered, carefully extracting her hand from his. “Do you want
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