Chapter 173
Ellie POV
The next morning, my mouth still tastes like cake. Even though I brushed my teeth five times before bed.
But it doesn’t cover the smell outside the prison, the one that always lingers. Bleach and something older underneath it. Rust, maybe. The kind of air that never gets to leave, like its people.
Dominic insists on walking me to the entrance, but he doesn’t follow me in this time.
Even though I’m still not over the fact that we’re… holding hands right now?
When did that become normal?
People are glancing, looking. My head ducks.
I wasn’t even sure why I was letting him. I felt sweaty. Nervous.
He squeezes my hand once before I go.
“You’ll be fine,” he says. “It’s good news.”
I roll my eyes. “I’m visiting my mother, not entering battle.”
His mouth twitches, and I can’t help but wave a smile.
As soon as the doors shut behind me, I grab my own hand like a vice, frowning.
Did I just wave and smile? That was so girly. Ew. No.
Inside, the guards recognize me now. The future Luna. They’re suddenly so polite. Doors buzz open faster. Smiles appear where there weren’t any before. I kinda hate it. Kinda appreciate it.
When my mother walks in, I forget all of it.
She looks smaller every time I see her. Or maybe I just notice it more. Her hair has more silver than I remember. But when she sees me, her entire face softens, and for a second I am not a Luna or a bride or a walking political decision. I’m just her daughter.
We hug too long. I don’t care.
“You’re glowing,” she says when she finally pulls back. “My little Luna.”
“I’m stressed,” I correct.
She laughs softly, like she doesn’t believe me.
I pull out my phone and slide into the chair across from her. “Okay. So. Good news first.”
Her hands tighten together.
“As we said, Dominic handled it,” I say. “The case is reopened. And they did find there were errors. Missing documents. Things that shouldn’t have been allowed. His family pushed. Hard. And there is evidence of tampering.”
Her eyes fill instantly.
“You’re coming home,” I tell her. “Not today. But soon.”
She presses her hand over her mouth, shoulders shaking. I reach across the table and grab her fingers before the guard can scold
“He did that?” she asks through tears.
1/2
+30 Bonus
I nod. “He did.”
I show her the photos after she finally stops crying. Then cries again over the idea of me getting married. She cries at the venue. The ridiculous number of flowers. The cake tasting samples. The dress.
And, the fact that it’s her’s.
“Ellie!” She gasps. “How did you-”
“It’s being tailored to fit me,” I say. “You’re much taller, but the lace is delicate, like it could fall apart if you breathe too hard on it. I had to argue with the seamstress about keeping the sleeves. I like the sleeves.”
This was…the one change I was excited about. In my first marriage, I let Dominic’s mother dress me in a poofy gown made for a queen. But this time, I was doing what I wanted. What meant the most to me.
“Oh,” she whispers, touching the screen. “You’re going to look… just like I did.”
“I hope not,” I mutter. “I’ve seen your hair in those old photos. It was tragic.”
She laughs again, but it turns into something softer.
“Your father would be proud,” she says. “He would be so happy you found your fated mate. We…we really loved eachother, you know?”
The word fated settles weirdly in my chest.
“He’d be happy you ended up with him,” she continues. “With someone strong. Just like him.”
I don’t answer right away.
Instead, I tilt my head. “Mom…what was he like?”
She blinks at the shift.
“Dad,” I clarify. “What was he actually like? Would… he have picked chocolate or vanilla cake?”
She smiles faintly. “Vanilla. He always liked things simple.”
“Crap. I picked Chocolate.”
“Well, dear, it’s your wedding. Not his.”
We giggled for a moment but when I wait for more, for a story, for something real, she doesn’t continue. Her gaze drifts to the photos.
P
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