Chapter 123

Aurelia’s POV

I didn’t know how long I lay there on the cold floor of the council chamber, my tears soaking into ancient stone that had witnessed centuries of power shifts and bloodshed. All I knew was that my chest hurt so badly it felt like my heart was being crushed by invisible hands.

That was when Selena’s shadow fell over me.

She walked toward me slowly, deliberately, heels clicking against the floor like a countdown to something dreadful. I didn’t need to look up to know she was smiling. I could feel it, this was all she has ever wanted so I was sure this whole thing made her happy.

“Well?” she said lightly. “Have you decided what to do with your miserable life?”

Her voice was calm, almost bored, as if she were asking me to choose between two dresses instead of deciding the fate of my life.

“Serve as a palace maid,” she continued, circling me like a predator, “or be banished from this pack forever.”

My fingers curled against the floor.

Banishment meant losing my children. Losin