Resting against my skin was a rare Rose Moonstone Pendant. Three winters ago, Damon had fought off rival Alphas and spent a fortune to claim it for me.
Marisel gave a soft laugh and leaned close, her voice low.
"Rayya, you already gave up the Luna ring. Do you really think it is right for you to still wear the Luna’s jewelry?"
Her fingers reached for the necklace.
I stepped back.
In that instant, Marisel tilted the glass in her hand. The pale liquid spilled across the front of my gown, soaking the silk.
A sharp sound followed as the glass slipped from her fingers and shattered across the stone floor.
Marisel gasped and clutched her hand, her eyes turning red as tears quickly filled them.
"Rayya, I only thought the necklace was beautiful and wanted to see it. If you didn’t want to show me, you could have said so. Why did you push me?"
The music stopped at once.
Every wolf in the hall turned to look at us.
For seven winters, any she-wolf who dared approach Damon or challenge me had been driven out without mercy. Once, I had publicly humiliated a woman who tried to seduce him, making sure no one forgot their place.
Damon moved quickly across the hall and pulled Marisel behind him.
He looked at the faint mark on her hand, his brows tightening.
"Rayya, what’s wrong with you? Marisel just returned to the pack. Why are you targeting her?"
His tone was sharp, filled with clear blame.
I looked at him. At the man I once loved with everything I had.
A dull pain spread through my chest, like a wound reopening under the moonlight. I took a slow breath and forced the emotion down.
I didn’t argue or get angry. Instead, I lifted my hands and reached behind my neck, unclasping the Rose Moonstone Pendant.
Under the silent stares of the entire hall, I held it out toward Marisel.
"You like it? Then take it. I slipped just now. I am sorry."
Damon went still. A flicker of shock crossed his eyes, and his brows drew together even tighter.
Marisel froze as well. Even her tears stopped.
I took out a handkerchief and wiped the wine from my hands. Then I crouched down. One by one, I picked up the broken glass from the floor with my bare hands and dropped the pieces into a nearby bin.
When I finished, I stood and faced Damon.
"My clothes are stained. I will go upstairs and change."
I turned and walked toward the upper floor, my back straight, my steps steady.