“I will visit the young princess at the infirmary before quarter midnight,” she said, her voice as smooth as silk yet carrying an edge of malice. “I’ll administer the antidote for the poisoning. Wait for me until then.”
I exhaled the breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding, relief washing over me. For a moment, I almost felt a surge of joy, but I quickly tempered it, knowing that nothing came without a cost.
“And what would be the price?”
"The price? It's simple. Nothing much."
"What is it?"
Maria’s expression turned hauntingly vacant..Her eyes seemed to bore into my very soul.
“Your position as Luna,” she said, her voice a chilling whisper that sent a chill down my spine. "Say you’ll relinquish your title and your daughter might live."
My heart skipped a beat, and I felt a momentary stab of panic. The title of Luna wasn’t just a position; it was my duty, my identity, the heart of my connection to the pack.
But this was for Lyra. Her life was more important than any title or honor.
"What do you say?"
"Yes. I will," I whispered, barely recognizing my own voice. "If you save Lyra, I will step down as Luna."
Maria's smile widened, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction.