The grand hall sparkled with candlelight reflecting off crystal glasses and silver platters. Laughter and conversation flowed like the expensive wine being poured. Everyone was dressed in their finest—silks, velvets, and jewels on display like peacock feathers.

Everyone except me.

I wore the only decent dress I owned—a simple navy blue that had once fit perfectly but now hung slightly loose on my frame. I’d lost weight since the miscarriage. Since the rejection.

I sat rigidly at Dorian’s table, directly across from him and Selene. The perfect vantage point for their show of affection. Every touch, every whispered word between them was meant for my eyes and ears.

Dorian stroked Selene’s hand, his eyes fixed on me. “Isn’t she beautiful, Elowen? The way a true Luna should look.”

I forced my lips into the semblance of a smile. “Very beautiful, Alpha.”

“Did you know that Selene comes from pure bloodlines?” His voice carried to nearby tables. “Unlike some… diluted stock in our pack.”

Selene giggled, leaning into him. “Dorian, darling, you’ll make me blush.”

I remained silent, my knuckles white as I gripped the edge of my chair. I watched my mother weaving between tables with a pitcher of water, her eyes downcast, her movements efficient and practiced. Years of servitude had taught her how to be invisible.

Until Dorian decided to make her visible.

“You! Old woman!” he barked suddenly. “This glass has been empty for thirty seconds. Are your legs failing you as well as your eyes?”

My mother hurried over, head bowed. “No, Alpha. Forgive me, Alpha.”

Selene watched my face as she spoke. “Dorian tells me you once thought you’d be Luna. Isn’t that adorable? As if someone of your… station… could ever lead a pack.”

As my mother bent to pour, Selene shifted suddenly. The glass tilted, red wine cascading down my mother’s worn uniform.

“Oh! Look what you made me do with your clumsiness!” Selene exclaimed, eyes glittering with malice.

She placed a hand over her mouth in fake innocence. “Ooops! Your shabby dress is ruined. Though how could anyone tell the difference?”

Something snapped inside me. I rose from my chair, fists clenched at my sides. “You did that on purpose, you spiteful witch.”

Selene gasped theatrically, hand flying to her chest. “Did you hear what she called me, Dorian? Your little pet has quite the mouth on her.”

Dorian’s voice dropped to a deadly quiet tone. “Elowen. Remember your place. This is your Luna, and don’t you ever speak to her that way again if you value your mother’s position. Or her fingers.”

His eyes bored into mine, the threat unmistakable. “Sit. Down. Now.”

My mother’s eyes filled with terror. “Please, Elowen. Please sit.”

I sank back into my chair, watching as my mother dropped to her hands and knees to clean the spill.

Dorian turned to the surrounding tables, spreading his arms wide. “Isn’t this wonderful? Everyone enjoying themselves? My perfect Luna by my side, the pack thriving under my leadership.”

Selene leaned toward me, voice low enough that only I could hear. “He screams my name when we’re alone. Did he ever scream yours?”

The first strains of music began to play.

Dorian stood and held out his hand to Selene. “Would you honor me with this dance, my goddess, my true mate, my everything?”

I recognized the words—the exact same words he’d once whispered to me under the stars the night of our mating.

Selene shot me a triumphant smile. “Yes, my Alpha.”

As they walked toward the dance floor, Dorian looked back over his shoulder. “You could mingle now, Elowen, but let’s be honest—who would want Alpha Dorian’s used goods?”

I watched them glide across the floor, her in his arms, his lips at her ear whispering things meant to make her laugh. The same dance steps, the same smiles, the same intimate gestures he had once shared with me.

I stood abruptly. I couldn’t bear another minute of this spectacle. I slipped between tables, heading for the nearest exit, blinking back tears I refused to shed.

I’d nearly reached the doors when they suddenly burst open. The music stopped. Conversation died.