Chapter 350
“The Silver Moon Territory,” she said softly. “I have already drafted the papers. You sign, and you leave. You go there, rebuild your parents’ legacy, and live as a Queen in your own right. You will have wealth, status, and safety. All you have to do is set him free.”
It was a gilded cage. A bribe wrapped in the silk of benevolence.
“You want to buy me off,” I said, looking at the envelope with disgust. “You think my love is for sale.”
“I think everyone has a price,” Gigi said, her eyes narrowing. “And I am offering you a kingdom to save you from a tragedy.”
I took a step forward, my shadow falling over her. “You are terrified, aren’t you? You aren’t doing this to save Dallas. You’re doing this because you can’t control him anymore. And you can’t control me.”
“I am trying to prevent chaos!” Gigi snapped, her mask of composure cracking.
“No,” I interrupted, my voice rising. “You are trying to play God. But you forget, Gigi — the Moon Goddess chose me for him. Not you.” I pointed to the envelope. “Keep your graveyard. I don’t want a kingdom of ash. I want my husband.”
Gigi stood, her small frame trembling with suppressed rage. “You foolish girl. You will destroy him!”
“I make him happy!” I shot back. “He smiles with me. He laughs. When was the last time you saw Dallas laugh? He chose me over you yesterday, and he will do it again. So here is your choice, Gigi.” I stepped closer, invading her personal space, channeling every ounce of authority I would one day wield as Luna. “Accept me as the future Luna of this family, or watch your grandson turn his back on you forever. He has already walked out that door once. Do not force him to lock it behind him.”
For the first time, I saw it — genuine, unadulterated fear in her eyes. Her arrogance faltered, replaced by the panic of a woman watching her dynasty crumble. Her hands shook violently.
“You don’t understand,” she whispered, her voice cracking. “You think this is about bloodlines? About pride?” She drew a ragged breath, glancing around as if the shadows were listening. “You don’t know what he is.”
“I know exactly who he is,” I said. “He is a good man.”
“He is a Dark Star,” Gigi hissed, stepping closer, her eyes wide and manic. “That is what the Seer called him the day he was born. A star that consumes all light around it.”
I frowned, confusion dampening my anger. “A superstition? That’s your excuse?”
“It is not a superstition!” Gigi cried out, her voice shrill. “I saw it. When he was six, he snapped a young warrior’s arm like a twig because the boy took his toy. When he was eight, his own hunting dog — a beast loyal to the death — was found with its throat torn out after it growled at him. His rage is not like ours, Adella. It is primal. A Lycan curse from the old blood.”
She grabbed my arm, her grip surprisingly strong, her nails digging into my skin.