A cold sweat broke across my palms.
But in the next heartbeat, Desmond's expression shifted into a sly grin. He nudged Augustine's ribs with a playful elbow.
"I've always had a soft spot for pups. Why haven't you brought him by for me to see? I'm dying to know what kind of little alpha a mother as resilient as this has raised."
The bitterness that had gripped my features dissolved instantly, and I heard Augustine let out a long, heavy breath of relief.
"Emmaline," Desmond said, his voice now laced with genuine admiration. "To have endured such a double betrayal from both your mate and your kin and still stand this strong... I believe you are more than capable of holding the mantle of Luna Queen."
I hadn't expected such a treacherous turn of events to actually accelerate my acceptance.
