Starcrossed (Starcrossed 1)

lungs. Ariadne spun on her heel and Lucas took Helen?s hand.

?Is this bad?? Helen asked Lucas breathlessly as they followed

Ariadne through the house.

?Yes,? he whispered. ?Listen, will you promise me something??

?What??

?Promise me that no matter what my mother says, that this isn?t

the last time you talk to me.? Lucas made her stop and face him.

He held her by her stiff shoulders and placed his lips against her

forehead as he spoke. ?Promise that you will speak to me again.

Even if it?s just once.?

?I promise,? she stammered, not sure if this was really happening

to her or if she?d wandered into some bizarre dream.

She and Lucas went into the kitchen holding hands tightly, as

though for the last time.

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Noel looked over at Castor and gestured to them as if they were

?Exhibit A? in her prosecution.

?Luke, go upstairs,? Castor said without being able to look him in

the eye.

?I think I?m entitled to hear this,? he replied calmly. Helen

clutched his hand and glanced around at everyone?s solemn faces.

Something was very wrong. Helen started to breathe so fast she

felt like for the first time in her life she might actually

hyperventilate.

?I want you all out. It?s my hearth, and my sacred right by Hestia,?

Noel said firmly, as if she were invoking some old ritual. ?This

is between Helen and me now.?

After a few moments of silence, Jason was the first to move. Seeing

the look in Noel?s eyes, he went to Lucas and physically separated

his hand from Helen?s. If it had been anyone else, Helen was