“Are you arguing again, Luna Liora?” she whispered, her voice weak. “I am sorry. I never wished to be hurt. None of this was what I wanted.”
I watched her closely. The shaking of hands. The lowered gaze. The careful tone. Every word was shaped to make her the wounded one.
Tears slid down her cheeks.
“I only wish we were not enemies. We were sisters of the pack once. I want that again.”
At once, the males reacted.
“Stop making her cry, Liora,” Alden snapped.
“Come, Selene,” Draven said gently. “You should not be walking. Let us return you to your chamber.”
Their care for her struck like a blade. Immediate. Protective. Undeserved.
“I will feed you,” Alden said, taking her hand. “You must eat properly.”
“Yes,” Draven added. “We will bring you seafood. Your favorite. You need strength.”
Then they turned toward me.
“You eat what we brought, Liora,” Alden said. “You have been released from healing. Do not be difficult.”
And with that, they guided Selene out of the chamber, leaving me alone once more.
I stared at the tray. Dry bread. Bland eggs. Hard fruit.
From the stone passageway beyond, laughter echoed. Selene’s voice carried clearly. “Mmm, I love crab legs! You remembered I dislike bread, yes? Seafood is my favorite!”
Of course it was. I was given leftovers. She was given a feast.
I did not cry. Not now. I was simply finished.
My crystal communicator vibrated softly. A message from my mother. [The ceremony grounds are chosen. Garments attached. Tell me which you favor, my dear.].
“Mother,” I said calmly through mindlink.
“Liora! Did you see the garments? What do you think of the flowers and the bindings?”
“I like them all. It was difficult to choose. I will decide today. But the older design feels right to me.”
“Good! We will prepare it. How many days until you return to Obsidian Fang Pack? Your mate waits; he is eager.”
“Only a few days more. Something delayed me, but I will come soon. I look forward to wearing the garments… for the Moonbond Ceremony.”
She laughed softly. “That is my girl. We will wait for you.”
The connection closed. I looked down at the untouched food.
Then I felt it. The shift in the air.
Alden and Draven stood in the chamber doorway. I had not heard them return.
Their eyes were fixed on me, their wolves alert.
Draven spoke first, his voice low. “Garments… for a Moonbond Ceremony?”