I squinted at the files in front of me, the lightning outside casting dancing shadows across the room. The musty scent of old books filled my nose as I hunched over the heavy oak table, surrounded by stacks of records and case files. "I thought investigating crimes would finally get me out of this
Astor's steely eyes bore into mine, challenging, daring me to look away. But I held his gaze, my jaw clenched and shoulders squared. The air crackled with tension as we faced off in silent combat. Seconds stretched into an eternity. My heart pounded, but I refused to show weakness. Finally, Astor'
The summer breeze caressed my skin as I stepped out of the car, a welcome respite from the oppressive heat that had plagued the city for weeks. I felt so much better today, and I hated that it was probably because of Elroy’s visit. The baby's energy wasn’t draining me the same way, and I could focus
Mrs. Davis wiped her eyes and reached for her phone with shaky hands. "I should call Tommy," she murmured. "He'll want to be here." I nodded: Thomas Davis was Sarah’s older brother, Mrs. Davis’s only available relative, and handing over this situation to someone else to handle sounded really, real
I was allowed to go back to the manor after a blood pressure check, but Elroy was adamant that I rest for the remainder of the day. I gave up a token protest, not wanting to be taken from the investigation, but to my surprise even Astor backed up his brother. "I'll look into Midnight Echoes," the
Iris's cool fingers pressed against my skin, her touch gentle yet probing. I held my breath, waiting for her verdict. I knew everything was fine, but for some reason this was still nerve-wracking. "Well, Olivia," Iris said, her voice soft and melodic, "I'm pleased to say you're in perfect health."
Elroy’s POV I wanted to punch a hole in the wall. This was impossible, obviously, given the walls were thick stone, but the intention remained! "Damn it!" I growled, pacing inside my mom’s rooms. I resisted the urge to snarl. I didn’t want to upset Mom. "That so-called 'emergency' was nothing
The moonlight cast long shadows across the terrace as I made my way to the Ruby Room, my footsteps muffled by the plush carpeting. It was late—much later than I’d intended, yet again. This investigation was eating up all my waking hours and then some. The band lead wasn’t panning out, and that put
“Jordan,” I said, “I think it’s time to hold a banquet.”The low light of my bedside lamp lay across Elroy's face, casting a warm glow on his furrowed brow as we settled down to sleep. It was hard to believe that I’d once been so reluctant to lay near him, and now this protective little cocoon we fo
I rose with the sun, brushing aside the veil of last night's uncertainties. Elroy had left early, and even though he was usually gone by the time I woke up, his side of the bed felt colder than normal.I moved through the morning with my thoughts in a tumult, incessantly repeating the same questions
But he hadn’t told me his feelings, hadn’t told me how close he wanted us to be. He could just mean he wanted a strong partnership as Alpha and Luna, like we’d discussed at the very beginning of it all, or it could be he cared for me as the mother of his child but didn’t love me. Not like I loved hi
The diner was a 1950s style burger joint, complete with black and white checked flooring and too-shiny red seats. The waitresses were wearing the same type of uniforms I’d seen in old movies, and Elvis played quietly over the speaker. One of the booths seemed to be made out of a classic car.Elroy l
I glanced at Elroy, feeling his silent encouragement radiate through our clasped hands. "To be honest," I confessed, "the depth of deceit took us by surprise. We were largely in the dark, just as many of you were."“And the council?” someone else asked, shoving a microphone towards Elroy.“The counc
Olivia’s POVI smoothed my dress, silently appreciating the way the purple fabric hugged my hips, accentuating my small baby bump. This would be the first time I’d be outside the manor since my pregnancy became visible, and the knowledge that everyone would see that there was life growing inside of
The incense stick sparked to life with a hiss, its aroma weaving through the air of the Ruby Room. I settled onto my knees, the rough carpet biting into my skin, and closed my eyes. Smoke curled like ethereal tendrils, carrying my silent prayer upwards."Great Moon Goddess," I murmured, choking on a
I wanted to pull until the hook ripped out, taking whatever traitorous chunk of me it wanted as long as it was gone. It was like an infected limb, but nothing I did seemed to force the amputation.What was wrong with me? Why couldn’t I just let this go? She was just a healer, someone I’d never even
Elroy’s POVThe effect of those words was immediate and indescribable. More than guilt, or shame, or horror—it was something that howled through me like a hurricane, ripping me apart and leaving ragged, bloody holes. My body could feel it, and it was as real as any cracking bone.My ears rang. My vi