Exchanging Vows: The Swapped Wife Is a Top Shaman novel Chapter 20

Chapter 20: Chapter 20

Ivy’s Point of View

Nell knocked again. Harder this time.

Finally, the sound of footsteps approached from the other side. The heavy doors creaked open, revealing a flustered-looking guard.

"Miss Ivy!" He bowed hastily. "My apologies. We closed the gates because you hadn’t arrived at the expected time. We thought perhaps you weren’t coming."

Lies. All lies.

Everyone knew it. Nell’s jaw tightened. Ash and Stone exchanged a glance. Even the guard himself couldn’t meet my eyes.

But I didn’t argue. Didn’t call him out. What would be the point?

"I’m here now," I said simply. "Let us through."

The guard stepped aside, and I walked into my childhood home with my head held high.

The main hall was packed.

Pack elders sat in their usual places, cups of tea in hand. Alpha Roland occupied the seat of honor, looking as stern and disapproving as I remembered. His wife, my aunt Camilla, sat beside him in layers of silk and jewels.

And there, front and center, were Seraphina and Bastian.

Seraphina wore a stunning red dress that probably cost more than my entire wardrobe. She was practically glued to Bastian’s side, one hand resting possessively on his arm. They looked like the perfect couple. Happy. In love. Blessed by the goddess herself.

The room had been alive with chatter when I entered. Laughter and conversation filling every corner.

The moment they saw me, silence fell.

Every eye turned in my direction. Some curious. Some pitying. Most just uncomfortable.

I bowed respectfully. "Greetings to Alpha Roland, Luna Camilla, and honored elders. I apologize for my late arrival."

Alpha Roland nodded once. Barely. His eyes swept over me with thinly veiled disappointment.

But Luna Camilla rose from her seat with a warm smile. She crossed the room and took my hands in hers.

"Ivy, dear. Welcome home."

Her voice was sweet. Motherly. Completely fake.

"What happened on your wedding night was truly unfortunate," she continued. "A terrible accident. But what’s done is done, yes? No use dwelling on the past." She squeezed my hands. "You and Seraphina are both married now. Both part of the Silvermoon Pack. You should support each other as family."

I said nothing.

"If there’s anything you need, anything at all, just ask." Luna Camilla’s smile widened. "We want you to be happy, Ivy. Whatever you desire, I will do my best to provide."

The words hung in the air. Generous. Magnanimous.

Too magnanimous.

I gently pulled my hands free from her grip. My own smile never wavered.

"That’s very kind of you, Luna Camilla." I tilted my head. "May I confirm what you just said?"

She blinked. "Confirm?"

"You said you would provide whatever I desire. Is that correct?"

"Well, yes, within reason—"

"You said anything." I kept my voice pleasant. Friendly. "I just want to make sure I understood correctly. You’re offering to give me whatever I ask for?"

Luna Camilla’s smile stiffened slightly. But with all the elders watching, she couldn’t exactly take back her words.

"Yes, dear. Whatever you need."

"Wonderful." I clasped my hands together. "Then I would like the Moonfire Pendant."

The room went dead silent.

Luna Camilla’s face froze.

The Moonfire Pendant was legendary. An ancient artifact that had been in the Crescent Moon Pack for generations. A massive sapphire surrounded by diamonds, said to be blessed by the Moon Goddess herself. It was priceless. Irreplaceable. The crown jewel of Luna Camilla’s personal collection.

And I had just asked for it in front of everyone.

"The... the Moonfire Pendant?" Luna Camilla’s voice came out strangled.

"Yes." I smiled sweetly. "You said anything I desire. That’s what I desire."

Her face twitched. Once. Twice. I could see the conflict raging behind her eyes. The pendant was worth more than most estates. Giving it away would be like cutting off her own hand.

But she had made her promise publicly. In front of the Alpha. In front of the elders. Taking it back now would make her look like a liar.

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