Page 77 of Two Years Gone

“She…she said I was weak, that I shouldn’t be with him, that I’m not good enough to be luna.”

I heard my mom exhale slowly.

“Do you believe her?”

“Well, look what she did to me! I couldn’t even defend myself.”

Sophie shook her head.

“But you were never trained like she was. You can’t use that excuse.”

She had a point.

“That’s true. Do you think I’ll be an okay luna?”

My mother smiled.

“Sweetheart, I think you’re going to make an amazing luna. You are strong and kind and good-hearted. Plus, you can hold your ground against Zane and keep him in line.”

I laughed.

“Sure! Don’t let Zane hear you say that!”

“Hear you say what?” He walked up from behind us and wrapped his arms around me.

We both laughed.

“Nothing.”

Zane gave me a peck on the cheek and stood beside me.

“I need you to stay near me today.”

I narrowed my eyes at him.

“Why?”

“What do you mean why? Don’t you want to spend time with me?” Zane teased.

“You know what I mean, Zane.” I rolled my eyes at him, but I knew he had a reason.

“We can’t find Mariah.” Zane shook his head, anger flashing through his eyes.

“It seems that when she heard you had survived, she took off. We don’t know where, so until then, you’re stuck with me.”

I felt fear creep up on me again.

“Okay…”

Zane cupped my face.

“Don’t worry, Ells, we’ll catch her. She will face the consequences of her actions.”

Sophie interrupted.

“What exactly are the consequences?”

“Well…” Zane hesitated, not knowing how to respond.