"MARKED , WATCHED , BECOMING"
ELARA POV
Seraphine.
She was only a few steps away, her features set in an angry mask of shock. “You’re saying this… to her? In the middle of this gathering?” Her voice was a knife, the tip a low growl.
Kael turned slowly, shoulders slumping. “I didn’t ask for this. I didn’t plan this. This is on the Moon.”
Seraphine’s eyes narrowed. “She’s manipulating you. Can’t you see that?”
“No one’s manipulating anyone,” I interjected, voice shaking. “Believe me—I don’t want any of this.”
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The Incident
I was up on a chair later, hanging decorations with the student volunteers. I was almost finished, trying to reach up and secure the last paper lantern to its stand when the chair rolled forward under my feet.
“Elara!”
Falling forward my shoulder hit a
