Her friends burst into shrill laughter.
“Wearing the same gown to the Alpha’s daughter’s moon celebration? How shameful.”
“Why don’t we rip hers off? That’ll solve it.”
“Yes—can’t have her stealing the moonlight from the birthday star.”
Their laughter sliced like claws.
I clenched my fists. “I’ll change. I’ll go to the wash chamber.”
Before I could move, a sharp slap cracked across my cheek.
Heat flashed through my skin.
“Who told you to speak?” one she-wolf sneered. “Myrielle hasn’t given permission. Know your place, den-born mutt.”
Their laughter swelled again, echoing around me.
I trembled, rage shaking my bones.
Then Myrielle rose with false grace, her tone dripping honey.
“Don’t be upset, Lunessa. They’re only teasing.”
But she lifted her moon-crystal communicator, pressing record, her voice turning sweet and venomous.
“You don’t mind if I take a little record, right? Last time you nearly accused me of trying to kill you and that really harmed my standing. I think it’s only fair to clear things up.”
Her eyes gleamed coldly. “The healing ritual wasn’t my fault. But your father’s outburst—and your behavior—that’s what caused trouble for me.”
My blood turned to ice. To her, my grandmother’s life, my father’s broken leg—meant nothing. Only her reputation mattered.
Her friends stepped closer, laughter curling like smoke.
“How can a denborn wear the same gown as Myrielle? Let’s help her remove it.”
“I don’t need your help!” I screamed, clutching the fabric, but they were stronger.
The gown tore. Cold air hit my bare skin.
Then the chamber went dead silent.
“Oh gods—what’s on her back?”
“Those look like burn scars… and blade marks.”
“No wonder Draven doesn’t want her. Look at that ruined body.”
Humiliation scorched me raw. My breath shook; my blood roared in my ears.
To them, I wasn’t a wolf. Just something to mock.
I was about to snap when the door burst open. Draven strode in.
Myrielle’s eyes flickered. She hurried to me, draping a coat over my shoulders, her tone syrup-sweet.
“Lunessa, don’t hurt yourself, alright? If you want to apologize, say it properly.”
I was too shocked, too exposed, too raw to shove her away.
Draven’s brow furrowed. His voice turned sharp.
“What happened?”
Myrielle lowered her gaze, feigning innocence. “She came in crying, saying she wanted to tear off her gown to make it up to me. We all tried to stop her… but she wouldn’t listen.”