e betrayer has no idea their victim still walks the earth? I face him

***

tant corridors. I sit in the grand hall, trying to acclimate to the life of Nora M

els no less surreal. I'm not just a mate anymore. I'm Luna-mother to

every word. He doesn't push, but I can feel his questions simmerin

he peace of my n

request an audience," a serv

erbolt. My stomach churns, an

say, keeping my vo

, his dark eyes scanning the room before they land on me. He looks... the same.

in's. Her golden hair falls in perfect waves, and her

g slightly. "It's an honour to me

ils, but I school my expression into one o

g!" She holds up an intricately designed invitation.

f they didn't destroy me, is almost too much to b

eptively calm. "I didn't realize

alse modesty. "It's been a long time co

er if he senses anything amiss. But then his exp

ward slightly. "I've heard whispers about

altering for just a moment. Cain's face

voice low. "She...

igning curiosity.

hair. "She drank wolfsbane," he says, his voice trembling just

My fists clench beneath the ta

o hurt her. If only she had told me how she felt... I would have marked her in a heart

yes glistening w

his voice breaking. "A pup I was so excited to meet

f sympathy. "It was a terrible time for us all," she says softl

ed me with his betrayal and dares to rewrite the story to paint himse

d despite my efforts to remain co

ions were... abominable. Drinking wolfsbane is a grave

lurring slightly as his next wor

ly, his voice laced with feigned sorrow. "It wa

. He didn't just kill me-he discarded me like trash. My han

mile. "But that's all in the past. Cain and I are so ha

g inside

y against the floor. Both Cain and Claire

my voice sharp

nks. "Ex

illed with a fury I can no longer

e at me, stunn

des in, his expression a mix of conc

eyes locked on Cain an

room. "Forgive her," he says, addressing Cain and Claire. "Nora is sti

sympathy. "Oh, of course. W

his chair. "We wish you

leave without

legs give out. Damon catches me before I hi

s hand pressing against my f

away, shaking my

s, his voice firm but g

my eyes. "Damon... I..." My voice falter

tle for a man known for his ruthlessness. "Breathe,

genuine concern. For a moment, I consider telli

his battl

ardens in my chest. Cain and Claire may have rewritten the story

. They killed my p

he chair, my nails d

just for me-it's for my

me back. "Nora, wh

cing a small smile. "

esolve burns bri

at they've done. No