CROWNED BY BLOOD
My silver-white aura shimmered faintly under the surface of my skin, concealed but restless.
The crowd was a chaotic sea of colors and scents. Alpha heirs in embroidered coats debated near merchants selling enchanted trinkets. Warriors sparred for sport in a cleared arena, while diplomats whispered over goblets of blood-wine.
Whispers trailed me.
"Is that…?"
"No, she died."
"Looks like her, though. Luna Blackwood, right? The rejected mate?"
"No one survives a broken bond and vanishes for three months. It’s impossible."
Let them talk. I kept my head high, posture fluid and graceful, more predator than prey now. My hair was shorter, eyes sharper, body carved by training. But the old Luna still