in's

itl

t and his palpable disappointment thick in the air. He didn't ask how I was feeling after nearly drowning three days ago. Instead, his g

ped and entirely devoid of paternal warmth.

k organ-gave a pathetic, nervous flutter. But

te," he continued, his voice flat. "I have submi

rd

knell. He was looking for a new Luna. A n

forcing it down. Hardin's court. The very viper's nest where I had been betrayed and condemned. It was exactly where I

shoulders to tremble, playing the part of the terrified, sickly daughter. "Father, please... my he

Kaitlin. It is an order. The Padilla name desperately needs th

unshed tears to well in Kaitlin's wide, innocent eyes. "I ca

slightly. I could see the surprise registering on his face at

e break artfully, "I wish to have the freedom to leave the manor. To

last taste of freedom before being locked i

ke a trivial concession to keep the merchandise compliant. As long as I ended

ve wave of his hand. "You have your

ial victory.

y stepmother, Autumn, and my younger half-sister, Antonia. Autumn's

rred, her eyes darting over my face. "You loo

s cringe, eyed me with open, venomous jealousy. "I hear my dear sister is off to th

ene indifference, and continued down the hall. To a girl like Ant

in a sickening show of false affection. "Tonight is the Blossom Moon Festival in the town square. Since you're suddenly so

e to parade Antonia in front of eligible, high-ranking wolves,

erately needed a loud, obnoxious distraction to slip

ile smile onto my lips. "Of course, Stepmoth

she had just outsmarted me. Autumn's smile widened, clearly convinced

ea what kind of monster h

elped me fasten my simple, dark cloak,

low whispered, glancing nervously toward t

voice dropping to a low, steady murmur. "Don't wor

oice filling the small space as she listed the wealthy lords she hoped to meet and

adache. While she babbled about petty social climbing, my mind was a map of c

began to beckon through the glass.

was the first