When I reached her chamber, the door was slightly open.
I looked inside and everything became clear.
Selene was not resting in bed as the Alpha and Beta claimed. She was not bound by healing charms or lying weak. She stood before a mirror, humming softly, swaying as if listening to her own tune. Her healer’s robe slipped from one shoulder. Bare feet touched the floor lightly.
She was dancing.
I allowed myself a small smile before knocking once and pushing the door open.
She turned, startled, her face twisting when she saw me.
“What are you here?” she demanded, her voice cold and uneasy.
I stepped inside calmly. “I came to leave something behind.”
I held out the black roses. Under the lantern glow, they looked almost unreal.
“I heard you were in pain. Yet you seem quite well.”
Her eyes dropped to the flowers, narrowing. “Black roses? Are you mocking me?”
“I thought they suited the moment,” I replied lightly. “And your act.”
She scoffed. “You’ve lost your mind.”
“No,” I said, moving closer. “I finally opened my eyes. I used to think I was the one seeking attention. But it was never me. It was always you.”