Chapter 3

Nerissa wore a silver-white gown. The fabric was woven from moonsilver thread, and with every step she took, it rippled like moonlight flowing across silk. I recognized it at once—Leon had it custom-made for me. My Luna gown.

"Beautiful, isn't it?"

Her fingertips traced the embroidery at her waist, her voice carrying a hint of shyness—but the pride beneath it was unmistakable.

"I only mentioned I liked it once, and Leon had it sent over."

I didn't answer. A dull, fine ache spread through my chest.

Seven years of history didn't dissolve overnight.

I looked up. "Where's Leon?"

"He stayed with me all night."

She glanced at me, cheeks flushing pink. "What we did exactly—you probably don't want to hear the details."

"Border reports came in this morning, so he had to leave first."

My body swayed, almost imperceptibly.

All night. No wonder she carried his scent—that cedar-and-forest smell.

"Oh, and Leon already agreed last night—I'll be taking over this bedroom."

My gaze drifted past Nerissa, landing on the bed.

Leon and I picked it out together. The headboard was carved with the moon and a cedar tree. Countless nights, after we'd made love, he'd wrap his arms around me from behind and whisper in my ear: "You're my moon. I want you to shine on this cedar tree for the rest of my life."

The carvings were still there. But his moon had been replaced by Nerissa.

"He said your condition's gotten worse lately. The side bedroom is quieter—better for your recovery." Nerissa looked at me, something almost like pity in her eyes. "Delores, he does care about you. A little."

"A little?" I arched an eyebrow, my voice cold.

"Every time I mention you, I see a flicker of worry in his eyes," she said earnestly. "But that worry—it's not the same as how he looks at me."

She pressed a hand to her skirt, as if choosing her words carefully.

"Leon loves me deeply, it's true. But he does feel guilty toward you. Delo—" She gripped my hand tightly. "Leave Leon. Go find that healer. It's better for everyone."

The ache surfaced again—but this time, it was lighter. Like mist before dawn—thin, barely there.

"I don't need your advice." I pulled my hand free. "I'm leaving anyway."

I pulled up my booking record and held the screen to her face.

"I've booked a flight for tonight. I won't stand in your way."

After examining the record carefully, Nerissa gave a measured nod. "In that case, I'll wait until you're gone before I move into this room."

The door suddenly slammed open.

"Outrageous! I can't believe Alpha is actually letting a mermaid become Luna!"

I turned to see the Grand Elder leaning against the doorframe, red-faced and gasping for air.

"I'm calling an emergency Elder Council meeting right now." He fixed his gaze on me. "Luna—you will attend."

I frowned. "Grand Elder, I don't want to be involved in this anymore."

"No!" He seized my wrist and pulled me forward before I could argue. "This concerns the entire Silvermoon Pack. You are the Luna—you cannot stand aside!"

Nerissa's face went pale as she silently followed behind us.

The Moon Hall was packed with pack members the Grand Elder had summoned.

Leon never showed.

The messenger only brought back one sentence: Alpha was handling urgent border matters and would arrive later.

I sat in the Luna seat, listening to the elders tear apart Nerissa's qualifications.

"She's not a wolf. The Moon Goddess won't bless her!"

"In ten thousand years of Silvermoon history, there's never been a mermaid Luna!"

"Force-feed her the reversal potion. Make her grow her tail back and send her to the sea!"

Nerissa stood below the dais, her fingers twisting into her skirt, her face draining of color.

The Grand Elder rose, raised his hand to silence the uproar, and declared with authority: "The Silvermoon Pack will never accept Nerissa as Luna. This is the final verdict!"

Nerissa swayed—but caught herself quickly.

"Love makes everyone equal. Delores can't shift, yet she still became Luna. I gave up my tail for Leon—I have just as much right!"

She clenched her fists and spoke each word with force: "The one Leon loves is the true Luna!"

The Moon Hall fell into dead silence.

Then the Elder seats exploded.

The Grand Elder roared, "How dare you compare yourself to the Luna! Guards—seize her!"

"Who dares!"

An Alpha's pressure rolled through the hall—chilling, suffocating.

Leon strode in.