N LEST

ated shriek. "You're crazy, Kaelynn! This bracelet w

ooked to her mother

g tone, "Kaelynn, watch your words. As the Luna of the Free

er. "Luna Meredith, I think you may have forgotten that e

ne string of lunar opal beads, eighteen in total, each half an inch in diameter, crafte

on Kristian's wrist. "Miss Kristian, would you

se she knew what was engraved on it

weak, her body involuntarily taking a step back

ene, a flicker of satisfaction in her eyes. Ev

to be so prepared, even having the

change the subject, her tone dismissive. "Kaelynn, don't forget your

ng in my chest. They stole my property and

d years. It's what my mother left for me. It is not anyone's charity, and i

as my constant concessions that fueled their gree

d and, before Kristian coul

et go of me!" Kristian scr

y, had an unyielding will. I held her tight, my o

eredith rushed forwa

me, blocking her with outstretched a

successfully snatched the b

d against my palm. I turned one over. The small, exqu

the crest to them. "The cr

say a word. Meredith's face turned a shade of

d. This was the first thing I had reclaim

ay safely. Then, I looked at the stunned

just the

you 'borrowed,' the goldware you 'appropriated,' and even the de

public audit of

exploded in the

Kristian's faces. They had taken too much. A public audi

ieked, completely sheddi

nly commanded the guards outside, "Men! Seize t

from outside the door. Several tall Pack warriors bl