“What happened?” I asked quietly. “Why wasn’t I called on stage?”
He frowned slightly, as if the question itself was unnecessary.
“What for?” The words were simple.
“You gave some ideas,” he continued. “But that’s small compared to what Faye and I did in terms of distribution and promotion.”
Small. My chest tightened.
“Don’t worry,” he added, almost dismissively. “Your earnings will still be good.”
A faint smile tugged at his lips.
“After all… you’re still my Luna.”
The words felt like mockery. Like a title stripped of all meaning.
I looked at him. Really looked at him.
And for the first time—I felt nothing at all.
“Congratulations,” I said softly.
Then I stood up. And walked away.
The night air was cool against my skin. The noise from inside faded as I stepped further away from the building.
Each step felt lighter. Freer.
Until… I stopped. Because someone was standing there.
A man. Tall. Broad-shouldered. His presence alone commanded attention. And when my eyes met his… My breath caught. He was… striking.
And yet—
There was something about him that made my wolf stir. Something instinctive. Something undeniable.
He took a step forward. His gaze steady on mine.
“Stephanie,” he said.