Chapter 7

The palace didn't really ever sleep. Not fully, anyway. Halls still had that shuffle from servants moving around. Guards murmured low while they patrolled. Candles flickered in those old iron sconces. Shadows stretched long and shaky over the stone walls.

Selene slipped through the servant corridors really quietly. Her wool skirts brushed her ankles. Wolfsbane scent hung faintly on her hands. She'd come back from the gardens without anyone spotting her. At least she hoped so. But the air felt off somehow. Different.

She stepped into the laundry chamber. No usual noise there. Just two girls folding linens by the hearth. Their talk stopped sharply when she got close. One looked her way. Then she leaned over to whisper to the other. They both turned quickly. Shoulders hunching up like they wanted to hide from her.

Selene slowed down. Chest got tight. This outsider feeling wasn't new. Her silence always did that. But tonight it cut deeper. Like suspicion. Real fear.

She set the herb bundle on the worktable. Acted like she didn't see anything. Hands wanted to grab that half-sewn shirt under her cot upstairs. Every second here is wasted time. Her brothers stayed chained in thorns and fur. Heartbeats ticking away. Still, she had to watch herself. Be careful all the time.

Laughter barked suddenly from the main corridor. Selene turned. Two guards walked by. Armor clinked softly. Voices carried in the quiet night.

The king's wolf got restless again. One said low. Sniffing shadows like prey hid in the gardens.

The other laughed. Prey or poison. They say he smelled wolfsbane tonight.

Then someone's dangerous in these halls. A pause. Sharper voice now. Maybe someone is too quiet. Too secretive.

Both laughed. Voices faded down the passage.

Selene's fingers gripped her skirts hard. She breathed steadily on purpose. Heart pounded though. They noticed. Aurek noticed.

And if Aurek did. Veyra wouldn't lag behind.

That silver-haired queen from Silverest stuck in Selene's head. Beauty like poison. Smile sharper than blades. Years back, Selene saw her at the royal banquet. Hands raised in a fake blessing. Then, cursing the brothers right there. Wolves, all of them. Wild. Chained by thorns till she finished her vow.

Selene pressed her lips tight. Veyra took it all. Now she circled Aurek. Wed him and she'd grab power. Plus Selene's last thin hope.

Chest hurts badly. Selene wanted to yell. Shout the truth. Tell Aurek what Veyra really was. But one word. One broken vow. Brothers gone forever.

So she stayed quiet. Always did.

Selene.

Voice snapped sharply. She turned. Mistress Elira is in the doorway. Stern overseer for servants. Keys jingled on her belt.

You. Elira pointed a bony finger. Come with me.

Selene followed silently. Down the corridor. Elira's steps are quick and echoey on stone. They turned into the great hall. Selene's stomach twisted up.

The feast ended, but the mess stayed. Goblets tipped over. Platters are half empty. Roasted meat smells thick. At the dais, Aurek sat alone. Wine goblet untouched by his elbow. Cloak draped black over shoulders. The crown was tossed on the table.

Selene froze. Called here like this. Why though.

Your Majesty. Elira bowed. The mute servant. As requested.

Requested.

Aurek's amber eyes came up. Locked on her. Force made knees go weak. His wolf moved under that look. She felt it. Prickle-like storm lightning is coming.

You may leave us. Aurek said to Elira.

Mistress bowed again. Gone quickly. Selene stood alone before the throne.

Silence dragged. Selene dropped her head. Hands clasped in front to hide shakes.

Aurek stood slowly. Boots thudded down the dais steps. He circled her once. Gaze hung heavy. Probing. His presence pushed close. Scent hit her. Pine and smoke and steel. Overpowered the wolfsbane tang on her skin.

You were in the gardens tonight. Voice low. Dangerous. Do not deny it.

Selene's breath stuck. She didn't budge. He stopped right in front. Heat came off him. My wolf scented wolfsbane. Poison. Eyes narrowed. And yet. I do not think it was meant for me.

Selene's heart jumped. Did he know? Could he know?

He watched her face. Expression blank. You are a shadow girl. Slip through the palace unseen. Why.

Lips parted. Scream built in the throat. Because I am cursed. Because my brothers will die if I speak. Because I am yours, though I can never tell you.

No sound, though. Silence held firm.

Aurek's jaw tightened. Leaned in close. Breath on her ear. You are hiding something. My wolf knows it.

Selene shut her eyes. Couldn't take it. His suspicion. Closeness. Bond's ache is burning inside.

He stepped back, finally. Cloak swirled. Go. Rough voice. Before I forget myself.

Legs almost gave out with relief. She ran from the hall.

Doors closed behind. Selene pressed fingers to her chest. Trembling. Her wolf whispered again. Fierce. Unrelenting.

Mate. Mine.

Distance away. Gallery shadows. Another pair of eyes watched. Cold. Silver.

Lady Veyra saw it all. The next morning came in cold and sharp. The air had that crisp bite from autumn. The palace was busy as usual. Servants carried trays of food around. Guards switched shifts. Messengers rode hard through the gates. But under all that, Selene sensed something off. There was this current of unease running through everything. A real shift in the air.

She slipped quietly through the servants' wing. She held a basket full of linens. Her eyes stayed low, but she listened closely. Whispers trailed her no matter where she went.

Did you hear? The king called her in last night.

The mute girl. All by herself.

People say she's got him under some spell. How else would she grab his notice like that?

Selene picked up her pace. Her throat felt tight. She just wanted to disappear. To fade right into the shadows. She'd spent years staying invisible. Now that the cover was getting ripped away fast.

She knew who was pulling the strings on it, too. Around midday, what she feared came true.