Chapter 8

The queen from Silverest showed up.

Selene spotted her from the upper balcony. The big doors swung open down below. Lady Veyra came in like a storm made of silver and ice. Her gown shone like it was woven from moonlight. Pale hair fell in shiny waves. A smile played on her lips. It looked perfect. All practiced. Completely fake.

Your Majesty. She purred it out. Dipped into a smooth bow as Aurek came down the steps to meet her. I hope the trip was worth it.

Aurek's face stayed careful. He gave her his hand. His words came out polite enough. But his jaw locked tight. The council thinks it is. Selene held the railing harder. Her knuckles went white. Even from up there, she picked up on the unease rolling off Veyra. It hit like the feeling from her old home before the curse took hold. That same kind of poison. The stuff that wrecked everything.

Her wolf stirred inside. Danger. Enemy right there.

Veyra stood up straight. Her eyes shone like polished steel. They scanned the hall. And then. Selene went still. The queens look lifted. It locked right on her up on the balcony. Their gazes connected. The whole world stopped for that second.

Veyras' smile grew. Not friendly at all. More like she had won something.

Selene felt her blood go cold.

She spun around fast. Ran down the corridor. Her basket knocked against her side. Linens spilled out behind her. She didn't bother picking them up. She kept going till the hall narrowed into that tight stairwell back to the servants' quarters. Only then did she slump against the wall. Her hand pressed to her chest.

Veyra had spotted her. Knew who she was. And worse. She had marked her as a target.

That night, the whispers spread quickly. Like fire through dry grass. Selene brought bread to the kitchens. Talk stopped dead when she walked in. She gathered herbs for the apothecary. The master stared at her pouch like it might bite.

They say wolfsbane turned up in the gardens. Someone muttered it right after she left. And that mute girl's hands smell like it.

Selene balled her fists. She'd been so careful. Always was. But the scent hung on. No scrubbing got rid of it.

When night fell, she went back to her room. That little space, lit dimly, was all she had for safety. She sat on her cot. Pulled the sixth shirt onto her lap. The cloth scratched at her fingers while she sewed. Needle in and out. Each stitch pulled the vow tighter around her.

In her head, she said their names quietly. Kaden. Liam. Dorian. Everyone of you. Just hold on a bit more.

But her hands wouldn't stay steady. Tears stung the edges of her eyes. She could take the whispers. The side looks. Even the hate. But if Aurek turned on her. If Veyra twisted him all the way. Then she'd get thrown out. Or something worse.

Her vow would end up dead with her.

A knock hit the door. Sharp and quick. She froze. Held the half-done shirt tight to her chest.

Selene. Low voice. Rough around the edges. It was the king.

Her heart skipped. She shoved the shirt under her pillow fast. Then opened the door.

Aurek waited there in the shadows. Hair wet. Chest heaving a little from training fights. His amber eyes burned as they looked her over.

He stayed quiet for a beat. Then at last. You were watching today.

Selenes lips opened. Nothing came out.

His hand came up. Brushed the doorframe with her head. You saw her. Veyra. His tone got tighter. That wolf edge slipped in. What did you see in her?

Selene swallowed. The truth pushed hard inside. Begging to get out. She wanted to lay it all bare. The curse. Her brothers. The danger is hiding under Veyra's smile. But the vow chained her tongue down. She made herself look away. Kept silent.

Aurek's jaw tightened. Always the quiet. But my wolf says you know more than the rest. That you catch truths I miss.

Selene shook. The bond tugged at her. Strong. Impossible to ignore. Her wolf murmured against her skin. Pushed her to get closer. To touch him. To talk. To claim what was there.

But she held back. Couldn't do it.

Aurek pulled away at last. His voice went low. Almost hurt. If you're a threat to me, girl, I'll finish it. But if not. He paused. Then why does it feel like you're mine?

Selenes' breath hitched. She grabbed the doorframe to hold herself up. Her heart cracked.

He turned. Walked off without more words. Footsteps died into the dark.

Selene shut the door. Hands shaking. She slid down against it. Face in her knees. Quiet sobs shook her.

Outside, thunder rolled far off—low and building. The storm was headed their way.

Selene knew her time was slipping fast. The council chamber felt heavy with tension the next morning. Selene knew she did not belong in that place. Servants never did. Still, she had to carry in trays of water and bread. She could not help hearing the sharp voices that bounced off the vaulted ceiling.

One advisor muttered something low. The king is distracted, he said. His wolf seems unsettled. He paces at night. He acts restless, like something haunts him.

Another advisor leaned forward. He lowered his tone. Is he haunted, or bewitched?

Selene's steps faltered right then. The tray wobbled in her hands. She set it down fast. She kept her head bowed low.

Lord Brennan spoke up. His voice carried weight and authority. Whispers spread through the court, he said. They talk about the mute girl. She lingers near him. Wolfsbane clings to her skin. She hides secrets.

Selene froze in place. Her heart slammed against her ribs.

Across the room, Aurek sat in his high-backed chair. Shadows carved into the hard lines of his face. His amber eyes flicked toward her. They looked sharp, like blades. But he stayed quiet.

The silence dragged on.