Shade hadn't left the study in hours. He refused to answer when I knocked. The council sat in our living room again, perched like vultures dressed in silk robes. Still, I sat upright. Back straight. Chin lifted. Trying to channel every ounce of what a Luna Queen should be. I'd already excused myself twice just to be sick in the guest bathroom. My stomach hadn't stopped churning since the council arrived. The pregnancy didn't care about political timing or my attempt to look composed. Every time I inhaled the scent of their smug superiority, I fought back another wave.
The front door creaked open. I turned as Cy stepped inside with Athena close at his side. He looked settled. Too settled. Like he'd already closed the chapter on everything that came before. I inhaled sharply and forced myse
