From Ashes to Their Luna

ras

hroat, raw and desperate. "Why

as he runs them through his hair, and I can see someth

racks. "I can't be part of th

ch the fresh burn on my arm, and he follows the movement with his e

back away. The hurt that flashes across his face surprises me. "I kn

This could be another tra

ast," I

think" He stops, swallows hard. "Dad raised us to believe certain things. That you

ays it makes my sto

" His voice breaks completely. "Every t

elve and he held me down while Tristan cut my hair off. How they felt when I was

ds stick in

anged?"

s voice goes soft, almost reverent. "Our d

ghtens. Jax

ting her the way we hurt you." His voice drops to a whisper. "I went home

hes between us, he

, Moira. For all of it. For every time I hurt you, every time I

otected, keeps me strong. But something in his vo

st h

ost miss it. Like someone w

confused by the

voice cracks. "How do I know

on his feet again, pacing like a caged anima

sends ice through my vein

ristan and the others all day. They're excited, Moira. Too excited." His face goe

ut. I slump ba

etting more frantic. "I can take you to Rosalie's

N

surprises

s at me like I've g

they should be. "If I disappear tonight, they'l

on't

intended. "You have Rosalie. You have a b

"Moira, you don't understand. If y

ce startles me. "I'll endure whatever they have planned

st time in my life, his touch doesn't hurt. "I've seen

e." I pull away from his grip. "B

other across the

be another way

one. Face whatever she ha

ce is flat, final. "I won't l

hav

closer. "I'm co

ax

jaw sets with determination. "If I hear

ight change his mind. But his jaw is set, his eyes ha

luctantly. "But you stay hidd

really need

g goes wrong, if

y wo

see it's useless. For better or

Be careful. Please. Your d

over his features. "Sh

cal blow. Aunt. I'd never tho

I whisper. "Fif

be t

*

aratelyJaxon first, then

ish, and history, my mind barely registering the teachers' voices. Other s

ching classmates rush toward the doors. The hallways

he afternoon sun, and

arms crossed and a cruel smile playing on his lips. Ethan stands beside h

car, swinging her legs, looking per

waving at me like we're best friends. "Com

pavement. Every instin

ockingly gentle. "We just want to spend s

I know exactly w

ly. Want me to walk right in

know where t