More real than anything else I had said in a long time.
“I won’t let that happen.”
Stephanie’s POV
The corridors of the packhouse felt colder than usual. Or maybe it was just me.
My steps were slow but steady as I made my way toward Elder Elisse’s chamber, the hem of my dress brushing softly against the polished floor. Every wolf I passed lowered their gaze, some out of respect, others out of discomfort.
Or pity. I could feel it.
It clung to me like a second skin now. The Luna who was no longer truly a Luna. The mate who had been replaced long before she even realized it.
I stopped in front of the heavy wooden doors and took a quiet breath before knocking.
“Come in,” Elder Elisse’s voice called from inside.
I pushed the door open and stepped in.
Her chamber was just as I remembered it. Elegant, composed, filled with a quiet authority that reflected the woman who lived within it. She sat by the window, a cup of tea resting untouched beside her.
Her gaze lifted the moment she saw me.
“Luna,” she said gently.
I didn’t waste time.
“I’ll proceed with it.”
Her brows furrowed slightly. “With what?”