Castan

under the vault lights, watch

erit?" She tapped her nails against the armrest. "Two years ago I came back from the southern bor

et skirt. The phone in my hidd

ve to do with my m

he Council once wanted to exile me to the outer border. To keep my ri

eath

ng an heir," Brittany said slowly, watching the blood drain from my face. "In exchange, the Coun

When we registered our contract, the High Healer tested our blood. He

"Don't be naive, Elise. Do you really think an Omega with no background could become Luna j

rectly say Ja

unde

ng the blood

just obedient enough." Brittany stroked the blanket over her legs, her smile widening.

sharp cramp twisted deep in my lower a

until the sting pulled my mind back from the edge of collapse. No Moon Godd

lie. I couldn't fully believe them,

e you think I'll quietly cra

now. See whether he chooses the woman who ruined her legs for him

believed a word I said. In his eyes, I was worth less than the debt he owed her. My pr

my hand, straightened my back, and

gh Elder's Jubilee banquet ends Friday night, I'll sign another co

ting me to calm down so quickly. Th

er your

break m

n lining of my gown. I didn't have time to deal with it. The glass partition slid open. Jaxon hurrie

d, Elise? Wer

dsome face I had loved for t

in my eyes," I said calmly, walking

li

sudden urgency in his v

Rice

urned sharply, my gaze sweeping the carpet where Elise had just stood-a corner of crumple

al, my expression changed. I recognized the seal. That kind of encrypted paper was used for on