I pressed my lips together and nodded. Before I could answer, he had already donned his charming alpha smile and strode ahead, greeting Myrielle’s parents with a raised goblet.
I lifted the hem of my gown and walked alone toward Myrielle’s private moon-lounge.
The moment I pushed open the door, the chamber fell silent. Nearly two dozen she-wolves stared at me.
Myrielle lounged lazily on a velvet couch, her moon-silk dress nearly identical to mine. Her gaze skimmed over me, lips curling in a soft, mocking smile.
“Oh my, what a coincidence,” she purred. “Your dress mirrors mine, Lunessa.”
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.