Chapter Twenty-three

Her words touch the truth of my soul in a way no one else has. I've always followed my heart. Every decision I've made was because its voice told me it was the right thing to do. And even though I know Josephine's daughter's story does not have a happy ending, I will follow this path as well.

Because it's my destiny.

She nods and I know she's reading my mind. "Yes, I was right. Two of a kind. And because I can see you already know, I will tell you the end. Her escape plan failed. She was caught–" The word seems to stick in her throat. "Punished."

"Punished?" The word falls out of my mouth before I can stop it. I don't want to know. I already know.

There are no more tears when she meets my eyes, only hard resolution. "I waited until the wind was right, then I let her ashes go. I let them blow toward the Werewolf lands." A sad, wistful smile graces her face. "And her beloved."

I clasp her hand hard, both taking and giving comfort. I don't think I've ever been this afraid in my entire li