Lila
The Great Hall was tense with anticipation
The banners above had been changed overnight—deep red and silver swaths, embroidered with the Lycan crest, hung like ceremonial nooses from the vaulted ceiling. Someone had gone to great lengths to make the space feel celebratory.
It only made the air feel heavier.
I stood near the front of the gathered candidates, my hands clasped loosely at my waist, the fabric of my dress smoothed flat. I could feel sweat gathering between my shoulder blades despite the hall’s chill.
Every girl here was waiting to hear if she mattered. If she was worth remembering. If she would still have a chance at becoming Luna.
I caught Emma’s eye from the opposite side of the room. She gave me a small nod, encouragement without show. It was a small gesture th
