ai

derstand what's

nal, voices crashing over each other in a frenzy, until

pounded as I shook my hea

his voice flat and cold. I looked around, trying to catch my

rting across the sea of faces. "

unforgivable sin after

ds. They didn't look at me. Not even once. I'd counted on them as my allies,

the stunned silence. Whispers ignited like wildfire. "Her actions," he continued, "are no

o my feet, voice quivering but firm. "I would never hurt Freya,

e jealous that I'm trying to secure our legacy with someone who can. I need a Luna who streng

eyes turned on me, accusatory,

y eyes. My wolf, Edith, whimpered inside me, her pain echo

n't twist this into something it's not. I could never harm someone

led, stepping closer, venom in his eyes. "You're

My mouth opened,

en

walk

rly leapt fr

. "You know this isn't true.

red of your pity act, Alaina. I didn't ask for this! I

, her words hit

her hand hovering protectively over her

d, shaking my h

flatly, her eyes col

around us

d go that far. Just becaus

erself. Still... poisoning

ina's always been kind.

me like thorns. My chest

now? Are you going to punish me for some

ard, grabbing m

ng me of my future," he hiss

rushed over, pu

and I stood there, humiliated, tremblin

bbed bes

etraying her closest

ink Alaina'

ly, drawing attention. "Someone who saw her give me that tea

her hand. I flinched. That gesture, so

nued, voice breaking. "I just...

u're a performer, Freya. Always hav

witness speak,

" she whispered

en I s

ac

o

t

rt. I blinked, hoping it was

, my voice cracking.

t blink. Just stood the

king. "I didn't want to. But she was the only one who tre

at me like I

rushed fr

numb, the tears c

d silently. But her ey

ieve this,"

that, everyt