Chapter 130
Elowen's POV
Selene raised her hand. Her fingers looked so delicate, like they might break if you touched them wrong. But the power that came from her palm? That was something else entirely.
Silver-white light poured out. It wrapped around Casper's head like liquid moonlight. I held my breath. My fingers dug into Cassian's arm so hard I probably left marks.
The light sank into Casper's skin. I watched black smoke seep out of him. It twisted and writhed like it was alive, fighting to stay inside him. But Selene's power was stronger. The darkness dissolved into nothing.
Casper's body shook. Hard. His amber eyes squeezed shut, and his jaw clenched so tight I heard his teeth grind. A strangled sound came from his throat.
"Casper!" I tried to move toward him, but Cassian's grip held me back.
"Wait," Cassian said. His voice was tight. "Let her finish."
The last wisps of black smoke faded. Casper's eyes snapped open. They were clear. Bright. That warm amber color I'd fallen in love with, not the hollow darkness from before.
He gasped for air like he'd been underwater. His hand flew to his chest.
"Breathe," Selene said softly. "The darkness is gone now."
Casper's eyes found mine. Relief flooded through me so fast my knees went weak. I pulled free from Cassian and ran to Casper, throwing my arms around his neck.
"You're okay," I whispered against his shoulder. "You're back."
His arms came around me. Strong and sure. "I'm here, little freckle. I'm here."
Cassian appeared beside us. He grabbed Casper's shoulder, his ice-blue eyes searching his brother's face. "How do you feel?"
"Like someone scraped out the inside of my skull and filled it with concrete." Casper tried to smile, but it came out shaky. "But better. Clearer."
"Thank you," Cassian said to Selene. His voice cracked. "Thank you for saving him."
Selene inclined her head. "It was necessary."
Casper pulled back from me. His brow furrowed. "The memories I had... of hurting Dad. Were those—"
"False," Selene interrupted. "Planted by ancient darkness. You wounded your father, yes, but you did not deliver the killing blow."
My stomach dropped. Casper's face went pale.
"I did hurt him?" His voice came out hoarse. "I actually—"
"You were not yourself," Selene said. "The darkness controlled you."
Casper's hands started shaking. "Who did it then? Who killed him?"
"I cannot give you that answer."
"What?" Casper surged to his feet. "You just said I didn't kill him! Someone else did! Tell me who!"
The garden seemed to hold its breath. Even the koi fish stopped swimming.
"Some truths must be discovered on your own," Selene said. Her golden eyes remained calm. "I cannot interfere more than I already have."
"That's bullshit!" Casper's voice rose. His eyes flashed amber-gold. "My father is dead! I deserve to know—"
"Enough." Cassian's command cut through the air like a blade. He grabbed Casper's arm and pulled him back. "She's already done more than we had any right to ask."
"But—"
"No." Cassian's ice-blue eyes locked on his brother. "The important thing is you didn't kill Dad. You're not a murderer. Stop acting like you want to throw yourself off a cliff."
Casper's jaw worked. "I still hurt him. I still—"
"Under someone else's control," Cassian said. His voice softened slightly. "That wasn't you, brother."
I watched them, my heart aching. The bond between them vibrated with tension and relief and grief all mixed together.
My hand moved to my stomach. Flat. Nothing showed yet. But Juno had confirmed it. A baby. Our baby.
What would Selene ask for? Would I have to give up my memories? The first time Casper smiled at me? The first time Cassian kissed me? The feeling of their marks burning into my skin?
My throat tightened. I couldn't imagine forgetting them. Forgetting us.
"Elowen?"
I jerked. Selene was watching me. Those golden eyes saw right through me.
Heat flooded my cheeks. Oh god. Had I been thinking about... No. No way. I hadn't been fantasizing about my mates while standing in front of a literal goddess. That would be insane.
Except Juno's low chuckle in my head told me otherwise.
Selene's lips curved. "Don't be embarrassed, lovely Elowen."
My face burned hotter.
"But I enjoy seeing you flustered. It reminds me you're still young and full of life."
Casper and Cassian both turned to stare at me. Their enhanced hearing had caught every word.
"What did she say?" Casper asked.
"Nothing!" I said too quickly.
Selene laughed. The sound was like wind chimes. "I said your mate has a very... active imagination. Especially when it comes to you two."
Kill me now. Just strike me down right here.
"Really?" Casper's grin was wicked. "What kind of thoughts?"
"Shut up," I hissed at him.
Cassian's eyes darkened. "Is that so?"
"I'm going to jump in that pond and drown," I muttered.
Selene patted the space beside her. "Come, child. We have important matters to discuss."
I walked over on shaky legs. My face still felt like it was on fire. I sat down carefully, keeping my eyes on the silver koi fish.
"What you did for Casper," I started. My voice wavered. "What's the price? What do we owe you?"
"Nothing."
I blinked. "What?"
"For healing Casper?" Selene's expression grew serious. "There is no price. It was a gift freely given."
"But... why?"
"Because Raven's darkness should not taint innocent souls." She reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. "Casper deserves to be free of that burden."
Tears pricked my eyes. "Thank you. Thank you so much."
Casper dropped to one knee in front of Selene. His head bowed. "I don't know how to repay you."
"Your gratitude is enough." Selene touched his head gently. "Stand up, child."
He rose slowly. His amber eyes were wet.
Something shifted in the air. The garden went still. Too still.
Casper froze mid-movement. Cassian's hand, which had been reaching for mine, stopped in mid-air.
"What—" I started to stand, but Selene's hand on my wrist stopped me.
"They're not hurt," she said quickly. "I've simply... paused them."
My heart hammered. "Why?"
"Because I need to speak with you alone."