ine

A dizzy spell washed over me, the room tilting violently. Rose was at my side

oice trembling as she helped me back to my room

k onto my bed. "She never liked me to

aphina would not accept defeat. She couldn't overpower

have to w

er head bowed. "Miss Adeline, the Elder, Lady Genevie

aunt. She was the oldest and most powerful elder in our family, a st

casual invitation. It was a place for judgment,

e steady despite the tremor in my l

memorial plaques of our ancestors, their names carved into the cold stone walls. Lady Genevieve sat on the cen

e room and bowed my head res

Adeline. I am told that you refused a request for aid from the Kensington f

s heavy with

ce even. "The Kensingtons intended to commi

e outcome of your 'truth'? The Blackwood Pack has lost

ou were so selfish. That root was purchased by the Ma

ughter of this house, even your private property is subject to the needs of the Pack. I am now ordering

amily duty, the very foundations of our society, to crush m

vision started to swim. I began to cough, deep, wracking coughs

re right... of course..." I wheezed, my voice breaking. "

e frowns on Genevieve's and Seraphina's faces. They were annoyed b

looked up, letting tears well in my eyes. "But... Eld

d into the oppressiv

That's absurd! Dr. Hayes himself said

of my mother." I let my voice tremble. "She came to me. She told me that the Moonpetal Root wa

A mother's ghost visiting her dying daughter. It was a story the

or the good of the Pack, my life is a small price to pay. But... I jus

eak, helpless, a dying girl pleading for a few more sunrises

y for the Pack, but she could not, in front of our ancestors, condem

ked furious, but even she couldn't find the w

f this? What are you d

e entrance of the hall. He strode into the room, his

hardened into one of pure protective fury. He crossed the room in th

Moonpetal Root belongs to Addy. Her life is more important than any false all