The next morning, I walked to the Elders' Council.The whispers on the street, the mockery about me being a "has-been" or "lucky," no longer bothered me.Fools.The clerk at the council office took my document.He glanced at the title, gave me a look like I was insane, and then let out a contemptuous snort."Luna, don't be ridiculous. Alpha Clark adores you. If anything, you're the one who doesn't deserve him. Instead of making trouble, you should focus on improving your pathetic alchemy skills."I stared at him, my face blank. "When will it be approved?""I suggest you reconsider—""I don't need to."I turned and left, heading straight for Clark's office.As I approached the door, I heard a familiar laugh.Layla's voice."Oh, Clark, you're too good to me," she cooed, her voice sickeningly sweet. "But this is so precious. I couldn't possibly accept.""Take it," Clark's voice was so gentle I barely recognized it. "You deserve it. No one deserves it more."I peeked through a crack in the
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