Silver Queen of Lunar Ridge
I stood in the center of the high stage, my hands folded neatly over my grey maid apron.
Deep inside my chest, the royal magic fire was pulsing with a slow, heavy heat. The bitter, dry taste of copper blood was faint on my tongue. I tightly clamped my mouth shut, forcing my teeth together as I forcefully swallowed the hot blood down, keeping my posture perfectly straight. I kept my face locked into a flawless, stoic mask of absolute innocence. Beneath my wet grey uniform sleeves, the golden star birthmark remained completely hidden in the dark.
Across the long silver table, the High Elders of the global Lycan Council were whispering in low, gravelly voices.