ve

food, and the only solace in this abyss was the occasional flicker of my mother's voice as she checked on me through the mind link. Tia was weak already and I could barely muster the energy to sit upright. But jus

unced, his gaze scrutinizing my weakened f

clouding my thoughts about what awaited me in King's presence. The memory of his piercing gaze during my judgment flickered h

them escorted me to his private study, where I sensed he had secluded himself since his return. I steeled myself, taking a deep breath before knocking and entering. King sat behind his de

olity or games. Only when I drew nearer did the object of his intense scrutiny become clear: photographs of Jackson and me. My heart sank further, and an overwhelming des

explain? Still, he remained fixated on the photographs. I was a stranger to him, unfamiliar

l, and his fingers white-knuckled around the photographs. Fear crept o

the time to to

lm, to reassure him of my innocence. But it was at this moment that he finally turned to loo

g here?" he growled, his

imposing height, towering over me. Instinctively, I st

s was a terrible mistake

er or aggression. Instead, he strode purposefully tow

ad adopted a calm demeanour, yet it was impossible to overlook the underlying iciness. He poured himself a drink and downed it in

otested, catching a sharp look from him

, avoiding direct eye contact with me. "You were unworthy of the Luna title, lacking the requirements, a mere rogue. Yet, I elevated you and claimed you as mine. What more could you desire?" He fi

It's n

question. Yes or

admitted, longing for th

re photographed kissing him in the centre of the dance floor. Do you comp

explain," I implored, my vo

ations with another man, especially a rogue. You disgus

ure the harsh judgment of others, but not from him. The thought of losing

lve. "The next trial is in two days, I don't think

reject us?' Tia's voi

out that fateful night with Sammy. I made a silent prayer to the goddess. If she would grant King the wisdom to accept me this once, I vowed to fulfil all my d

must take action to preserve my own dignity," he continued. "And so, to spare you the public disgrace, despite you

d with a hand outstretched towards him, b

of the Silverpine Pack, reject

A scream escaped my lips as I collapsed to my knees, the torment unbearable. Tia, my i

t, but my pleas were lost in the wh

; his words unyielding as he completed the ritual of rejection. Powe

rength to speak. "I, Avery Frost, formerly the Luna of the S

the pain overwhelmed me, and I su