She spun to me. She was still way too thin, and I could feel the exhaustion in her, but there was a light in her eyes that I’d missed. I’d missed it so much.
“No.” She put her hand on my cheek. “I didn’t know exactly what would happen. I’m not sure I would’ve done this if I’d known how long it’d take to get home.”
I’m so sorry. Her soft voice came through the bond. We have a lot to talk about when we get home.
I dropped to my knees. She was really here. All the way back. I closed my eyes, and I could hear her thoughts. She was here, and it was everything.
I missed you. I— There were too many emotions. I couldn’t give them words, not even in my mind. Not even along the bond. It was too much, too big, too raw.
I know, but we’ll be okay. I swear.
No. She didn’t understand what it’d been like without her. She couldn’t possibly get it. I’m not sure I believe you. I want to go home. I want to take you home.
Not yet. Soon. I promise. She grabbed my hand and pulled me from the ground.
Tessa linked her fingers with mine and turned to our friends. “Well, it’s not exactly as I planned. I’ll explain more later, but we need to do something now. Van? Will you take all of us?”
Van’s shoulders drooped as he watched Tessa. “Where are we going now?” He sounded as exhausted as I felt.
“To see Mother. Or the woman who made me believe she was my mother.”
“You want to see my mother? Now?” Cosette muttered quietly. She stepped closer to Chris, who wrapped his arm around her. “Are you sure that’s wise?”
“There was a fight starting when I left, and I’m not sure which way time is passing among the courts.” Van flicked his hand, and a sword appeared in it. “It could be over by the time we get there or not started yet or in the middle of the worst of it. Are you sure you still want to go?”
“Yes. We have to. We have no choice.”
I opened the bond until I was inside Tessa’s head again. I knew she liked privacy, but the bond was back, and in place, and she wasn’t getting any privacy. Not for a while.
I could feel the weight of her exhaustion—at how her bones felt too heavy inside her body—and I pushed more power at her because she was so certain that this had to be done now or everything that we went through would be for nothing.
We had to go now, before it was too late.
“I’ve waited twenty-one months for this. I lost twenty-one months for this. Your mother is about to be taught a lesson. It’d be best if everyone came with me, but you don’t have to.” She turned to Elowen and Kyra. “I’d understand if you wanted to stay.”
They shared a look and then turned back to my mate. “And miss the Lunar Court fall?” Kyra said.
“No.” Elowen crossed her arms. “I think we both want to be there for this.”
I stepped close to Tessa. “What’s happening? Explain.” Please.
I will. I promise. But if we don’t go now, we’ll lose our one window. And we both sacrificed too much to let this window pass us by. She pressed her free hand to my cheek. Trust me. Just one more time. Please.
I peeked into her mind and saw her determination and her strength and her urgency. I understood that we had to do this now. I didn’t understand all of her plan—she was thinking too many things at once—but I didn’t need to. She’d explain the rest when there was time. I trusted her. Always. I’ll follow you wherever you go.
I know. She gave me a small, sad smile. I counted on it. Thank you for finding me.
I wanted to tell her that I hadn’t found her. It wasn’t me. I’d drowned without her every day. But that would wait.
Van stepped toward us. “Everyone, hang on to each other.”
“Wait,” Cosette said. “Dastien, Lucas, and Blaze. Before you agree to go, you need to be warned. It’s not wise for werewolves to go into the Lunar Court without protections. I can try to—”
“Dastien and I will be okay,” Tessa said. “I’ve got him, and I have my own ways around your mother’s power now. Lucas and Blaze might need help.”
“Really?” Cosette seemed suspicious of that, but the confidence was strong in Tessa’s mind.
“Really.” Tessa grinned, and it was maybe the best thing I’d ever seen.