The Omega's Crown

etched between them,

ough again, quieter this

truth itself weighed more than his shoulders could bea

ted, like tasting the n

's reaction carefully. "She used to live within

Raphael back

in his tone. "The Moon Goddess chos

brows furr

n said bitterly. "Because she didn't fit int

was a

ck. And she's spent her entire life being treated like she's invisible.

e escaping his lips. "And now the

caught off guard. "You'

I saw her. Like the whole world had turned its back on her. But when our ey

son for a long moment

rything I was for a life that wasn't mine.

ing, just a little. "I was actually planning to vi

dy standing. "Let

ien strolled in, arms crossed, the smirk on his

he said. "So now you want t

hael replied calmly, refusing

really think that's the kind of mat

steady. "The Moon Goddess doesn't make

. What happened to your big human love story? Oh righ

ssion, a shadow of the hurt that still

over. And what happened with her do

m before things could esca

e followed them outside without another word,

ay sun. It wasn't the kind of vehicle one saw of

he winding roads, curious eyes follo

olded, brooding. Lucien kept glancing out t

ldn't stop the nervou

en want to s

e but that single moment had

ted for years. Modest houses lined the dusty road, their paint faded by sun and time. Chi

of a small, weathered house with a crooke

Her eyes widened at the sight of the car a

palms over her faded skirt, ey

aid, bowing slightly.

you for a moment?"

hesitant nod an

learly uncomfortable and wanti

about Elodie. I owe her an apology. On

emotion, but her voice remai

ked. "What

g she was okay when the entire pack sees her as nothing but disgrace." Ophelia

bubbling to the surface. "Please, do yo

ere sharp, searching. "Why? What does

said quietly, "she'

rch. Ophelia's mouth parted slightly, sur

wardly behind them

"I know we failed her. I'm trying to make it righ

. Just asked me not to wait for her. I begged her to stay, bu

s eyes for a second, her teary face

," he whispered. "