My smirk doesn’t budge, not even as the sting of dirt clings to my skin and humiliation pulses beneath it like a fresh burn.
Celestia turns back to the crowd, chin held high, basking in their attention like it’s sunlight. She looks utterly pleased with herself, but that’s where she messed up.
Because she gave me the spotlight.
And now… I’m taking it.
Slowly, deliberately, I rise from the ground. Graceful. Poised.
I act as though I don’t care that every eye is on me. My heart pounds like a war drum, but I force my spine to stay straight.
This isn’t how I imagined being introduced to the pack… but fine.
If they want a show — I’ll give them one.
Confidence. Control. No fear.
What a Luna should have.
And I will be Luna, for now.
Without giving myself time to second-guess it, I strid
