A'S

or my return, a lavish affair meant to show the entire pack that their true Luna is back. Crystal

beside me is empty.

with envy. "To wait five years... it's the stuff of legends. I heard he p

rafted piece of propaganda to paint him as the grieving, faithf

s over the hall. The g

formal black attire. But he is not alone. Flanking him are my p

hina is wearing a simple white dress, her head bow

afraid I'd be lonely," she whispers, her voice a fragile, trembling thin

rip firm. "Be generous, Lyra. She has ca

for my grace? The humiliation is a physical weight, pressing down

strous mistake. He drops to one knee before me, silen

. This one is perfect. The chain is the

he proclaims, his voice ringing with sincerity for all to hear. "

mantic! How devoted! Two necklaces! His lo

ck. The metal is cold agai

'," I think to myself, "does t

oddess to offer a prayer of thanks for my return. Kaelen is at

my voice clear and loud enough for those nearby to hear. Then, I add my own w

ble. A gasp comes from b

lders shaking, and flees from t

me. Before he can react

is face red with anger. "You embarra

ntic. "Go after her, Kaelen! She's fragile!

for him to comfort the other woman. Me, standing silently

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