Insight

Selena Dolan's role in Bastian's escape had been kept a secret from StarLight. Only those closest to the Alpha family knew of her actions. Still, only Selena knew why.

To those who knew, it might have appeared that she had turned against the pack and her family. In fact, the once-Luna of StarLight, knew that the opposite was actually true. In her mind, her family and pack had been in a cycle of turbulent violence with the rogues. She just wanted to end it.

The rogues attacked her. Injured her. Her mate then killed them. More than just those involved. Then her son grew up with a natural hatred of rogues. He had killed them sporadically as he grew stronger when he would lose control of his wolf. Then Bastian, the boy she'd seen exiled without reason, came back for revenge. After his crimes, punishment was clearly due.

Still, Selena had to speak to him. She had to know for sure what kind of person he was. Bastian seemed kind, calm, and just as devastated by Selena's attack as the Dolans. Even more so about the seemingly unjust deaths of his parents. After all, Clair Anderson had been Selena's best friend for years.

After talking to Bastian, and seeing Flint's reaction to the conversation; Selena made up her mind. She could now recognize the cycle of violence StarLight had been in for years. She could even see how her attack and Bastian's fate were just another inevitable turn in the process. To break the cycle, to end the problem, to free herself and her family... Selena freed Bastian from StarLight custody.

Immediately after the escape from StarLight territory, Bastian took Selena to a friend's house in the valley. This friend of Bastian's was a rogue by name of Jack Fields. The once-Luna was had established the Star Dust Hope foundation years before. She knew where she would go to set up her life for the time being.

Before parting, Selena sent Bastian to find more evidence of his parents' innocence. She'd hoped the chase for lost information would keep him away from the mountain and her family. Over a month ago, when the searches for Eve began, Selena learned that her plan hadn't worked. Bastian had kidnapped her son's Luna.

Selena had been trying to get in touch with Bastian since then, but she couldn't seem to reach him. The phone numbers she had for him had been disconnected. The rogues in the valley that knew him claimed he vanished, along with the Shadow pack.

Still, she continued trying to find him. Selena felt responsible for what happened to her son's mate. She had released Bastian. It was her fault Bastian even got the chance to kidnap Eve.

So on this day, like many days before, Selena sat at the desk in her apartment. She had just finished making phone calls that had again, turned up nothing. She exhaled in frustration and leaned back in her chair.

We did this. We have to find him. Selena's wolf spoke up in her mind.

We will. She sighed internally.

Maybe- The she-beast cut herself off.

Selena stood abruptly and turned to the door. She felt something in the air. It was familiar. A scent that reminded her of dry autumn leaves and ice...

Yes!!! The wolf began to turn in circles in her mind.

No, it can't be... She shook off the surprise taking over her.

Selena approached the door quickly. She paused with her hand near the knob. Shame seized her mind. It hurt to think of opening the door, nearly as much as it hurt to leave it closed. A hesitant, heavy knock fell on the door.

The sound pushed her back a step. Selena felt cornered. Not by the sudden visitor, but by her own choices. She didn't have time to lower her hand, before the door swung open. She froze; pierced by his vivid, electric green eyes.

"Wife." Elijah greeted her in a stiff, quiet voice.

"Husband." She felt like she choked on the word.

For the space of two heartbeats, the couple stood there. The time they'd been apart seemed multiplied, while somehow losing its significance. The thin, black cane fell from his hand as he took three fast steps toward her. Selena didn't think about her actions. She simply rushed into his chest.

He held her tightly. It felt like all the air had been pushed out of Selena's lungs. She didn't fight him. She didn't push him away. She wrapped her arms around his waist, taking comfort in his warmth.

"Selena." He breathed her name in a shaky breath.

In the months since her escape, she'd missed Elijah. Selena simply hadn't allowed herself to acknowledge it. Not until he stood before her, holding her like always.

Elijah pulled away, maintaining his tender grasp on her. He looked into her dark eyes. Her black hair was freely hanging, with several strands in her face. He pushed them away, savoring the floral scent of his mate's skin. He ran his fingers over her high cheekbone, stopping on the soft skin on her neck.

"We have much to talk about." Elijah spoke in the warm voice he only used when they were alone.

"I know." Selena whispered.

Slowly, he released her. Selena walked to the door and closed it, picking up the cane Elijah had dropped. They sat on the couch in silence. Her husband glanced around at the apartment. His eyes stopped on the photo hanging next to the wide windows. It was their wedding picture.

"I've been thinking of you. Constantly." He admitted, still looking at the framed memory.

Selena didn't speak. She didn't know what to say. Elijah shuddered, seemingly coming back to reality.

"Why, Selena?" He looked at her intently. "Tell me why and be honest with me."

She paused. This was the conversation she was dreading. She'd hoped to break a cycle of violence. She'd hoped to save their family. Instead, she'd broken them apart and, because of her, Eve was missing. Her face flushed with shame. She hesitantly took his hand before daring to look into his deep, glowing green eyes.

"Alright, Elijah." Selena nodded. "Let me start at the beginning..."