Luna twisted her fingers together, searching for the courage she wasn't sure she had. Damien stood behind her, arms crossed, every inch of him radiating frustrated defiance. She swallowed hard and forced herself to speak.
"Prince Damien… he's my fated mate," she confessed.
For a moment, it was as if the universe itself tilted sideways. King Magnus didn't simply react—he almost collapsed, despite the fact that he was firmly seated.
"How long have you known this?" Magnus finally managed.
"Since the Blood Moon Festival," Luna answered. She winced slightly, waiting for the thunderous eruption she was sure would follow. When it didn't come immediately, she hurried to add, "But Father, I want to marry Alpha Kyllian. I... I have to do my duty as the princess of our kingdom, and that means marrying right."
