#Chapter 94: Knowing Your Worth

ELENA The drive back to Moonstone was quiet, but not uncomfortable. The sun was dipping behind the trees, casting long streaks of gold across the windshield. Pine shadows flickered over the hood as we followed the winding road north, back toward our father, our pack, and the very carefully maintained illusion that everything was fine. Mason drummed his fingers lightly on the steering wheel, glancing at me between turns. I could feel the questions rolling through his head like marbles in a glass jar. “You’re staring,” I said without looking at him. “I’m thinking,” he replied. “Same thing.” He smirked but didn’t argue. “You gonna tell me how the latest memory treatment went, or do I have to guess?” I sighed, tilting my head against the headrest. “They’re not really like treatments anymore. More like… guided sessions.” “Does it help?” “Yes and no.” I hesitated. “Some things come back sharp. Like a picture with the contrast turned all the way up. But then other things—p