One Night

Chapter 257

Audrey

I stared at my reflection in the full–length mirror, taking in my appearance one last time before the ceremony.

Today was my first Healing Ceremony; it was something that Edwin and I had discussed, a way to heal Crescent residents who needed the help without having to make a million trips to hospitals. Pre–screened pack members in need of healing would line up, and the Silver Star would heal them.

Of course, we could only help so many, and only those with minor afflictions would be cured at events like this. But it was a

start.

The dress that was chosen for the ceremony was exquisite–floor–length with delicate silver embroidery that glittered and danced as it caught the light with every turn of my hips. It was tailored perfectly to my body, the neckline stopping at the center of my throat and the sleeves coming down into two shimmering bell shapes, and the skirt flared out a little at the knees.

It was modest and elegant, but also subtly sexy.

“Do you like it?”

I turned, my eyes meeting my mother’s in the mirror. She was standing just a few steps away, wringing her hands nervously. There was something about her body language that gave me pause.

“Did you make this?” I found myself asking.

She nodded, looking a little sheepish. “I worked on it whenever I had spare time. I wanted you to have something special for your first official healing ceremony. Something that reflects both your role as the Silver Star and as my daughter.”

I turned fully, my eyes widening. The stylist had brought me the dress earlier, claiming that an unknown designer had made it. I knew something was off then, but I’d figured that Edwin had made it or commissioned it and was just trying to surprise,

1. me.

But

my

mother had made it; her first handmade piece in years.

The emotions hit me all at once, catching in my throat and making it hard to speak. Without thinking, I strode over to her and threw my arms around her, although I was careful not to wrinkle the dress.

“It’s perfect, Mom. Thank you.”

She squeezed me gently. There was a little more strength to her touch lately. “You’re going to do wonderfully today. I know it.”

The ceremony was being held in Crescent’s largest cathedral to the Moon Goddess. People had come from all over, some to be healed but many just to watch.

I stood at the front of the hall, feeling a little awkward with so many eyes on me. But with Edwin beside me, I managed a warm smile and took a deep breath.

The ceremony began, and one by one, they came forward.

An elderly man shuffled up first, his back hunched as he walked with the help of a cane. I placed my hands gently on his shoulders, feeling the familiar pull of my power as it flowed through me, seeking out the inflammation in his joints. His spine straightened under my touch, the wrinkles of pain on his face smoothing out into relief.

Next, a mother brought her son, a boy no older than ten. He had a fever that hadn’t broken for days and it was making him delirious. I knelt in front of him, placing my hand on his forehead. The fever broke almost instantly, and as his breathing

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Chapter 257

eased, his mother’s eyes filled with tears.

With each person I touched, I felt my strength being siphoned away, the silver energy draining from me like a hole in a sinking ship. But I refused to stop, even when Edwin began to get worried.

“Audrey,” Edwin’s voice echoed softly through our Mindlink. “I think you need a break.”

But I couldn’t stop. Not now. Not when there were still people waiting, still more to help. I reached for the next person in line, my hand trembling slightly as it hovered over a young woman’s sprained wrist. But before I could place my hand on her skin, I felt something warm trickle down from my nose.

I froze, blinking in surprise, and then Edwin was suddenly beside me, his hand slipping discreetly into mine and pressing a

the handkerchief into my palm. My fingers tightened around it automatically, and I raised it to my nose, dabbing away blood before anyone else could notice.

“That’s enough for today, folks,” Edwin said, stepping forward to address the crowd. “I’m afraid the ceremony must come to an end. If anyone needs immediate attention, please speak with my Beta. Otherwise, we will announce the next ceremony soon.”

The disappointed murmurs from the crowd made my chest ache, but I knew Edwin was right. I physically wouldn’t be able to heal anyone else now that I was down to the dregs of my power. Not unless I wanted to be broadcast being carried out of the building, unconscious, on live television.

Edwin gently placed his hand on my back, guiding me through the nearby door to the back room behind the cathedral. I somehow managed not to stumble, holding my head high and back straight, until we were out of view. Once we were alone, Edwin looped one arm around my waist and the other under my knees and scooped me up. I didn’t resist as he carried me down the hall.

Once we were in one of the private rooms at the end of the hall, he set me down and knelt in front of me with concern written across his face.

“Why are you doing this to yourself?” he suddenly asked.

“I’m not doing anything,” I protested, although the words felt hollow even to my own ears. “I’m just trying to help people.”

Edwin’s eyes softened, but he shook his head. “No, Audrey. This is more than that. You’re pushing yourself too hard. You’re punishing yourself. Why?”

I looked away, unable to meet his gaze. He always knew, always saw right through me, even when I wasn’t ready to face the truth myself.

“I just…” I swallowed hard, trying to force the words out. “I feel like I’m not doing enough. Those kids are still out there somewhere, being hurt, and I can’t find them. I can’t help them. It’s been weeks, Edwin. Weeks.”

Edwin frowned as he looked at me. “It’s been two weeks, Audrey. These things take time. And besides, I know there’s more to it than that,” he said softly. “What else is weighing on you?”

The tears I had been holding back finally began to spill over, and I threw my hands up in the air, feeling both exhausted and exasperated.

“I don’t know what I’m doing,” I admitted, my voice breaking. “Everything felt so simple in college–deadlines, papers, petty bullying to overcome. But now… It’s bad enough that I have this degree that I worked so hard for and I don’t know what I want to do with it, and then on top of it I feel like I’m not saving the world fast enough as the Silver Star-”

“Hey.” Edwin’s voice was firm but gentle as he pulled me into his arms. “You’re doing great. Where is this coming from, hm?”

“I don’t know,” I whispered. “I just… I feel like, if I don’t know what to do with my degree, then I should at least be a good Silver Star and lead Crescent into a Golden Age like it was prophesied. But there are still kids like Joseph who are suffering, and I can’t even heal a line of people without bleeding from my fucking nose.”

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Chapter 257

Edwin was quiet while Franted, his thumb tracing soft circles gave my hands a gentle squeeze and rose to his feet.

“Get your coat,” he said simply.

I blinked up at him, confused. “What?”

“Get your coat. I’m taking you away for a while.”

09:21 Thu, Nov