Chapter 3

Selene panicked, clearly not expecting Kael at this moment.

I seized the opportunity to wrench free from the servants, collapsing to the floor in tears, playing the picture of wounded innocence.

Selene quickly tossed the shard aside and hurried to Kael, her voice instantly taking on the perfect tone of grievance.

"Alpha!" She bowed low, her fingertips trembling as she pointed at me.

"Thank the moon goddess you're here! Lady Consort Lyra has been utterly brazen! I merely came to teach her proper etiquette, but not only did she refuse to listen—she struck me!"

She turned her face to display the handprint fully, her eyes reddening on cue.

"I was so shocked that I had my servants restrain her briefly, but she fought back and destroyed the gift you bestowed. I was terrified, not knowing how to explain this to you, Alpha."

She lowered her head, shoulders trembling slightly, as if she'd suffered the greatest injustice and fright imaginable.

Kael said nothing at first. His gaze fell on the shattered bracelet, his expression unreadable. Then he slowly scanned past Selene before finally settling on me.

I sat crumpled on the floor, hair disheveled, clothes torn from struggling.

My appearance alone told the story. At times like this, admitting fault always earned more sympathy than explanations.

I lifted my face, tears spilling without warning.

I sniffled, voice choking.

"The Luna is right. It's all my fault."

I buried my face deeper, shoulders hunching.

"She asked for the bracelet, and I should have removed it immediately and offered it with both hands. It was a royal gift—I'm not worthy of wearing it. It should belong to the Luna. I shouldn't have tried to keep it, which angered her and caused the bracelet to break..."

My voice cracked with emotion, head bowed lower.

"Everything is my fault. Alpha, please don't blame the Luna. I'm willing to accept any punishment."

Selene clearly hadn't expected this response. She pointed at me, furious words escaping.

"You lying bitch! What nonsense are you spouting?!"

She turned to Kael, trying to explain.

"Alpha, she's lying! She broke the bracelet herself—"

"Enough."

Kael cut her off.

He strode forward and stopped before me, pulling me to my feet.

My legs were still weak. I could barely stand without leaning against his arm for support, but my tears fell even harder.

Kael looked at Selene, his tone flat.

"Selene, have I not given you enough royal gifts?"

Selene trembled violently, her legs giving out as she dropped to her knees.

"Alpha, please see clearly! She struck me first! I only retaliated! The Inner Court has always punished those who act above their station. I've managed these halls for years—never have I been..."

Kael interrupted again, impatience creeping into his voice.

"You destroyed a royal gift and administered private punishment. Which of these actions befits someone managing the Inner Court?"

Selene's composure shattered completely.

"Alpha! I've always followed protocol! Today I was simply provoked by this bitch—"

"Issue the decree," Kael said, not even looking at her anymore. He turned to his head attendant.

"Luna Selene has acted improperly and failed to maintain decorum. Effective immediately, she is confined to Everspring Hall for reflection. Without my direct order, she is not to step outside its gates."

"Alpha!" Selene's voice broke in a cry of disbelief.

But Kael had already turned away, his arm still supporting me as his voice softened.

"Are you frightened? Return to your chambers and have the healers examine you."

His tone held no particular emotion, but the protective intent was unmistakable.

I was half-guided, half-carried back into the inner hall.

Behind us, Selene's suppressed sobbing echoed.

I lowered my eyes, a satisfied smile curving my lips.

Luna Selene—this is only the beginning. Everything you did to my sister, I'll repay a thousand times over.