The light around Luna died the instant the words left Damian's mouth, the courtyard's silver glow collapsing into ordinary torchlight, leaving her standing exposed in the sudden dimness with every noble eye fixed on her like she was something shameful now confirmed.
"Nothing more," she repeated, barely a whisper, but it carried in the terrible silence.
"Luna—" Damian took a single step toward her, and she watched him catch himself, his father's hand landing firm on his shoulder, holding him in place with a grip that looked almost gentle and felt, Luna was certain, like iron.
"The Ceremony is concluded," King Victor announced, his voice smooth and final, already steering the narrative back toward order. "Whatever confusion occurred here tonight, the Crown Prince has clarified the matter.
