the depths of unconsciousness. Tiny hands

ake up a

around my mind like a cocoon. A wave of tenderness I can't

er nudge. "Pl

ice cutting through the haze of my mind.

or

d something that feels... foreign. Love? My brea

slowly, shapes and colors

ed and filled with worry. Two boys and o

an with silver-streaked hair and regal features, her face etched with worry. I

h kind eyes and a nurturing air about her

g at the edge of the gro

laced with something unrecognizable.

amon Mo

ose name alone could silence a room. He towers over everyone

searching for something. "Are you all right?" he asks, stepping c

r warring with confusion. Why is he looking

in my mind, wr

reach for me. My legs wobble as I stand, but I steady my

ee it-a mirror

ing the murmurs behind me. The Grand Luna says something,

alls again, closer this

r, and the world

staring back at

iliar... But it

Her beauty is ethereal, with high cheekbones, piercing silv

ing me in a reality I can't comprehend. The memories of my death

of the mirror. The pups' voices call out behind

. I was Lira, a rejected mate, a

n hits me like

been

ut this time, I'm not weak. This time, I'm powerful. I'm Nora Moon

the swell is gone. My heart twists. The lif

now, almost directly behind me.

st time, I see more than his reputation. His b

says, his voice softe

lutching my legs, their small faces seeking reassurance. Their touch se

y to speak, the weight of this

can I explain what's happening whe

ear," she says gently, placing a hand on my arm. "How do you fe

The tenderness in her voice is foreign to me, a

ruggling to find the word

a glance with Damon, worr

as she ushers them away. The girl, the boldest of the three,

ne firm but respectful. The Grand Luna hesitates, th

just Damo

ating and protective. "Nora," he says again, his

is concern raw. For a moment, I wonder what kind of bond Nor

forcing the words out. Th

convinced. "You

hirlwind of questions. Why did the Moon Goddess cho

rtantly... wh

e truth settles heavily in my chest. I've b

n, softer this time. "Nora... I'm here for

me. I don't know this man-not truly. And yet, I'll have to play

s my eye again, and

ve me a second chan