RED'

n. The bed was soft and warm, the room airy

ly firmer push. I frowned, pu

a voice whispered, sharp eno

as usual. Can you believe this is our Luna? Ly

oo much to be lying here carefree. And I had stayed awake all night

let her hear you. She's our Luna

e only one we should worry about is Lady Marcella. That one..." her tone d

ped. "You shou

. "If she had her way, she'd be Luna by no

'm glad Alpha finally chose Ximena. P

fe? Have you not seen him? He's cold. Hostile

ce fo

marry her?" one w

olitics. Power. Love? No. Not in my eyes. Al

't just me who felt his hostility. Others noticed it too. No wonder Ximen

tened any longer, their goss

rms reaching overhead. My eyes blinked slowly as if just wakin

t. Panic flickered

lady!" they chorus

e. "Good morning," I said softly, hiding

is the life Ximena abandoned. And I am the fool le

maid said, bowing slightly. "It's a b

I asked,

said, pointing at the ot

ir, slipping fine fabrics over my skin. When I stoo

d who had spoken kindly when others sneered. Her gentleness felt li

out Hayden. What he was really like, but fear clamped my

patiently for me to leave. I smil

a glass cabinet displayed trophies and delicate wine glasses. The walls were cr

. Beside it, a larger, gold-plated chair with a

livers, and spiced meat without appetite. Though exquis

eggs. "You look lost, Lady Ximena," she said softly,

Vanessa, I di

turn to the kitchen, but if you

you," I said, h

ead onto the table, feeling the wei

h eggs unusual, lettuce crisp. I ate cautiously, tryi

ank. It was Marcella, stomping

" she demanded. Her gaze wa

. But before I could

de? You married my ma

blankly, too stu

She stepped closer, her

" she warned. Her tone didn't match her p

sa watched silently fro

yden if that's what you w

t words failed me. Fe

but Marcella's presence filled the room. She was

about Hayden or me. This was about dominance, re

, keeping quiet.

as she surveyed me. Her eyes glimmered

y life now. I must learn the ru