I cannot stop laughing. The insanity, the cruelty, of the whole series of events is so bizarre that it’s downright comical. I had made up my mind. I was firm in my decision. I would reject Edric and leave. I know that I can’t escape my destiny, that it will haunt me forever, but yesterday I decided I’d fight this battle by myself, like I’ve fought every battle by myself…but again, it looks like The Fates, or The Goddess, or the fucking Star Child, who even knows anymore, made sure that won’t happen. Edric stares at me, his eyes shattered. I shouldn’t care, but I do. It hurts me to see him in pain. My wolf is far less sympathetic than I am, which is a surprise – she’s the one that wanted to stay, but she’s also the one that was raped, so maybe that’s why she feels so vindictive and I don’t. “Say something.” “What do you want me to say?” he asks, sinking to the bed. “I told you yesterday that I’m leaving as soon as the tribunal is over.” “I…yes,

Edric’s POV: The kitchen is well stocked. Maya did a great job, considering this is her first big gathering. I pull chicken and salad from the fridge. “Are you hungry, your majesty?” “I can eat.” Maya’s sitting on her usual chair by the counter, the king next to her. I turn my back on them, pretending to fix the plates, but I really want to mind-link Luca and Jasper without the king knowing. “Are you awake?” “Yes,” they both answer at once. “What’s wrong?” Luca asks. “Nothing. I fixed things with Maya. I need to do the same with you.” “You don’t have to,” Jasper says. “We know you’ve been under a lot of stress. Just don’t do that to our Luna again. Next time, there may not be a king that convinces her to stay.” “She’s not staying because of him. Tomorrow, during the hunt, we’ll have to sneak off so the three of us can talk. Things are about to change.” My heart aches at the thought. Leaving my home. My

Edric is pale. He didn’t even look this shocked when I screamed at the king. He storms into the study and goes straight for a bottle of liquor. I close the door behind us, and gesture at Adrian to take a seat, sitting next to him while we watch as Edric pours some of the whisky in a glass and swill it around his mouth, grimacing as he swallows it. Another sip, and then he puts the glass to the side. Standing next to his desk, he pushes his fingers into the top, staring at Adrian, the brother he didn’t know he has. “Who’s your Alpha?” Edric asks, his tone calm like always, but I can see the turmoil churning in his eyes. “Kenneth of Blood Moon.” “Ah fuck, kid, I’m sorry.” I look at Edric, my eyes asking him the question. “He’s an ally of ours, but by far one of the most abusive wolves in the kingdom. He can give the Lycans a run for their money.” I wonder what it is that these wolves do that are so terrible. I’ve met several other Alphas now, bu

I stare at my swollen eyes in the mirror. Shit. I haven’t cried like that since the day my parents kicked me out. How am I going to hide this mess from the others? I fill the basin with cold water and dunk my face in it, holding my breath until it feels like my lungs will explode before I come up for air. Well, that didn’t help at all, but it is what it is. “Maya?” Edric knocks on the door. “You okay in there?” “I’ll be out in a second.” “We have thirty minutes.”  “I know, I know.” Drying my face, I yank the door open, staring into Edric’s concerned eyes. “I’m sorry.” “Why?” I push past him. “Not your fault.” “I should have waited with that gift.” “You couldn’t have known.” I feel uncomfortable, vulnerable, and I wish he’d stop looking at me like that. Avoiding his eyes, I yank open the closet and pull a clean dress from the hanger. “What should I expect tomorrow?” Edric doesn’t look like he wants to change

Edric's POV: Say the words, Maya. For the love of our Goddess, say the words. She stares at me, her eyes big and questioning, but not filled with wild fear like that first night I caught her in the woods. She shakes her head, then looks at the priest. “I can’t say my parents’ names.” That’s it? Fucking hell. Is she trying to kill me? I let out a slow, shaky breath as I try to get my galloping heart back under control. This is my fault, she tried to tell me she’s not comfortable with calling herself their daughter, and I basically told her to suck it up. How could I be that dense? “You don’t wish to honour your parents, Luna?” “My parents abandoned me.” The priest nods, and behind us, I hear the gossiping voices rise up. I couldn’t care less – our pack’s been the topic of discussion for so many years that I’ve gone deaf to most of the gossip. The king snaps his head around, shooting death stares at our guests, and every