Before I could respond, Selene stepped from her chamber. She wore a silk robe, bare feet silent on stone, her face shaped in false concern.
“What is happening?” she asked softly. “Why are voices raised?”
I pointed at her chest. “Where is my necklace?”
She glanced down, as if surprised to see it resting there. The moon-diamond shone at her throat.
“Oh… this?” she said lightly, touching it. “I borrowed it. I did not think you would mind. Alden said it was fine. I am a pack member too, am I not?”
“Remove it,” I ordered. “Now.”
Her face tightened. “Luna….”
“Remove. It.”
I stepped forward. She stepped back, clutching the pendant.
“What is happening with you?” she cried. “Why are you like this? I only wanted to feel beautiful. I love this piece…”
I reached for it. She pulled away. We struggled. She resisted harder than expected.
The chain snapped.
The pendant fell, striking stone, rolling beneath the low table.
“You broke it!” I shouted.
“It is not serious,” she said, breathless. “It is only jewelry.”
“You had no right to touch it!”
Alden rushed between us, blocking my path. “Enough!”
Draven came from the hall, moving straight to Selene. “Are you harmed?”
“She has gone mad,” Selene sobbed, holding his arm. “She is cruel. I did not mean to damage it…”
“She attacked me,” she added quietly. “I think she pushed me.”
I felt numb. “You are shameless.”
Draven turned on me, eyes cold. “What is wrong with you? She did not mean it. You always seek conflict.”
Then Alden shoved me back, not hard, but enough to unbalance me.
“Stop this,” he mumbled, guiding Selene away.
And again, they left me. Alone.
I stood in the center of the den, breathing unevenly, staring at the broken chain on the floor. I knelt and gathered the pieces with shaking fingers.
That was it.
The final boundary crossed.
I returned to my chamber, took my crystal communicator and activated a call rune.
A sleepy voice answered. “Hello?”
“It is Luna Liora,” I said plainly. “I wish to sell the manor dwelling in Mooncrown.”
“Sell?” the voice echoed. “Immediately?”
“Yes,” I replied. “List it. Open it to buyers.”
“Yes,” I replied. “List it. Place it before buyers.”
There was a brief pause through the crystal communicator. Then the pack steward cleared her throat. “Understood, Luna Liora. To confirm, you are releasing the manor fully? Are there wolves residing there who must be informed?”