Valerie’s POV:
Days had passed without a word from Alaric.
Had my plan failed? I had been so sure he would summon me—that he’d finally be ready to crown me as his Luna. But silence. Only silence.
Another disappointment. Another failure to deliver to my father.
A frustrated groan tore from my throat as I dragged my hands down my face, sinking onto the edge of my bed. The sting of tears burned behind my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. I needed to think. To strategize. There had to be another way—
*Knock. Knock.*
I stiffened. Whoever it was could come back later. I stayed silent, willing them to leave.
*Knock. Knock.*
Louder this time. Insistent.
I gritted my teeth. *Who in the Moon Goddess’ name—?*
Then, a deep voice cut through the door.
“Miss Valerie, a
