“And you aren’t.” She pulled me into her arms. “I offered.” She pulled away to look at my face. “As a Gamma, my job is to protect my Luna.” She turned to my mother and nodded. “I did everything I could to protect her, and it cost me my soul.” My mother rocked back as if she had been hit. Lynn smiled sadly as she turned back to me. “I don’t regret it.” She reached to rub the tears from my face. “But if I can give the rest of my life to protect my Queen…I would do that in a heartbeat.”
I hiccuped as I cried. “But I’m not in danger.”
Lynn leaned in. “But you are.” She cupped my face. “The Amy I know is so full of love and life that she would do anything for anyone. You gave everything you had for werewolf kind. Who you are now…after Rowan died, this isn’t you.” She kissed my forehead. “I know your family and your friends will agree.Rowan has become your heart, and without your heart…you aren’t you.” Lynn sat back on her heels. “I refuse to allow you to live like this. Not when I can save you.” She grabbed my hand and pushed it into the god’s waiting palm. “She agrees.” Lynn nodded.
Hades turned to me. “You have to say it.”
I felt my lips tremble as I tried to say the words, but nothing came out. I coughed to clear my throat. I searched Lynn’s face, but there was nothing. No worry, no shame, nothing but acceptance and love. “I…I agree.”
I felt the agreement ripple down my arm, through my chest, and settle low in my stomach. Hades nodded once before he dropped my hand. “Say your goodbyes.” He looked down at Lynn. “I’ll give you two minutes.”
Lynn smiled as she stood. She turned and walked to my parents. She murmured to them, and both of them started to cry. I stood on shaking legs and turned to Hades. “Why do I feel you agreed way easier than you normally do?”
He smiled. “Because you are right. Normally, I wouldn’t agree to a swap. But everyone has a weakness…and family is mine.” He walked over to me and clapped me on the back. “Eventually you will understand. But today is not that day.” He nudged me and then turned away. He walked over to Gaia and the other gods.
Hecate waved her hand, and a familiar sound barrier snapped into place so the gods could talk freely. I felt a burning at the base of my skull as I watched them all turn to look at me.
“Well, everyone knows who they are talking about.” Toya walked over to me and slid her arm around me. I snorted as I leaned against her. “I won’t ask you how you are doing…I feel it.”
I looked at her, and she smiled as I felt another arm slide around me. “Our wolves are sisters, Amy.” Wendy’s voice was sad, but she was trying to hide it. “We can feel your pain down the bond.”
Toya nodded. “I’ve gotten a million texts from Hanna and Micca screaming at me to tell them what’s going on.”
Wendy nodded. She pulled out her phone to show the notifications. “Neither of us felt right explaining it all to them without knowing how it was all going to end.”
Toya leaned her head against me. “Once Rowan is back, and you have had time to enjoy that…we know you are going to crash out about Cass, that’s when we will make sure everyone is here.”
Cass.
I had forgotten about her when Rowan dropped. I felt guilt hit me as I turned to see Greyson still on his knees. The horror etched on his face broke my heart. He lost a pup and his mate. I knew the pain. I squeezed both of my friends before I stepped over to Greyson. “Hey.”
He slowly turned to me, and there was no recollection there. He was gone, and I didn’t know if there was going to be a way for him to come back. “I’ll take him.” Uncle Ronnie’s voice came from behind me. I turned to give him room. “I’ll take him to Alannah and the twins.” I frowned, and his lips turned up. “He has been helping her since she came with the babies.” He looked back at Aurora. “Cass…Aurora had been jealous, but he kept showing up.” He shrugged. “Plus, she might understand what he’s going through.” I nodded once.
“Time’s up.” Hades called. Lynn walked back to me and pulled me into a hug.
“Never question my choice.” She whispered in my ear. “This is my decision, and I made it for myself.” I nodded against her. “Thank you for being my friend.”
A fresh wave of tears started. “Thank you for giving your life for my family.” I pulled back, and she gave me the most dazzling smile that brought me back to the first day of training. She was always so strong, so bright, and full of energy. I knew the last few years had broken something inside of her. But now I was seeingher whole again, and I knew she was at peace with her choice. “May your afterlife be peaceful and free of hard-times.”
Hades’ hand landed on her shoulder. “For her sacrifice, she will live peacefully in Elysium.” She squeezed my hand once more before she turned. “Are you ready?”
She nodded. “I am.”
They walked back over to Rowan, and I followed. Each step made me feel physically sick. Hope and pain warred in my chest as I dropped down next to my now-cold mate. His skin had taken on a pale hue that was completely unnatural. I threaded my fingers through his.
Selene walked over, leaned down and kissed my head, then moved to Rowan’s feet. Hades winked as he stepped up to Rowan’s head. “Sit next to him and hold his hand.” Hades instructed, and Lynn dropped across from me. One by one, the other gods took positions around the three of us. Hades held out his hand to Uranus, and the god lifted his brow. Hades just laughed. “We have to create a chain, Ura. Either hold my hand or go home.” Uranus looked down at me for a second, and then he lifted his hand and grabbed Hades.
“I’m only doing this for you, godling.” I smiled and nodded.
“Thank you.” I looked at everyone. Hades, Uranus, Hecate, Selene, Gaia and then landing on Pontus. “All of you. Thank you.”
Hades snorted. “Rowan Lukos, I call to you. Come to me.”
Selene looked up at the sky. “Erubus, I call to you. Come to me.”
Hecate closed her eyes. “Ich ta hel for shim. Epar tin clavic shorn.” I recognized the spell; it was a healing spell. The blood that surrounded Rowan pulled back into his body. I watched as the shirt that had been soaked in blood was clean once more, and the slices on his chest sealing as the magic took hold.
I leaned over his face, waiting. Hoping.
