Morning light spilled through the tall windows of the dining hall, soft and gold, touching the silverware and the white tablecloths. The air carried the faint scent of honey and fresh bread. It was a quiet breakfast — too quiet for a palace filled with so many people.
Ava sat beside Edward, her hands folded neatly on her lap. Across from her were Luna Selene and Alpha Garry, dressed and ready to return to Moonstone Ridge. Servants moved quietly around them, refilling cups, clearing plates, pretending not to feel the tension that hung over the table like smoke.
At the head, Luna Antoinette smiled — the kind of smile that never reached her eyes.
“I hope you both had a pleasant stay,” she said, her tone polite, almost rehearsed. “It was… lovely having you here.”
Alpha Garry nodded. “We ap
