Barduff Castle's air had changed. At first, it was subtle—a change in the atmosphere, a persistent tenseness in the corridors, a hesitancy in the servants' voices. However, Leah felt it as though it were real, weighing down on her each time she passed through the hallways.
Gwen had made her presence known right away.
Although the pack had quietly welcomed her, her influence was already beginning to take shape inside the fortress. Routines were changed, new regulations were put in place, and Leah was forced to navigate a foreign and unwanted environment.
She had tried her hardest to stay out of sight, to stay out of direct contact, but it was getting harder and harder.
Serafina was having trouble.
The young child had grown more reserved since the news of Jacob's marriage was announced; her once-bright laughter had given way to quiet, and her once-inquisitive eyes had taken on a cautiousness that made Leah's heart hurt.
One afternoon, Leah discovered her kneeling by the flowers, her tiny fingers tracing the petals, in the gardens.
Serafina muttered, scarcely raising her voice above a whisper, "They're wilting."
Kneeling next to her, Leah ran a hand across the velvety petals. "They simply require attention." A little patience and a little time.
A tiny line formed between Serafina's lips. "Such as Father?"
Leah gasped for air. "What do you mean?"
With a look beyond her years, Serafina turned to face her. "He has changed since then. He hardly gives me a glance. He hardly gives you a glance.
Despite the lump in her throat, Leah swallowed. "Your dad is thinking about a lot of things."
Serafina gave a headshake. "He's not happy."
To that, Leah had no answer. since it was accurate.
It was entirely by chance that Leah ended up in Gwen's path the first time.
A piercing voice interrupted her as she was making her way across the castle with fresh linens to Serafina's rooms.
"You."As Gwen moved nearer, Leah slowly pivoted, forcing her face into a neutral position. With her golden hair braided and adorned with gems, the new Luna wore a sophisticated emerald gown. She radiated prestige and authority in every way.Before tilting her chin, Gwen's piercing blue gaze swept over her. "It is you who takes care of Serafina."
Leah gave a nod. "Yes, Luna."
Gwen grinned and took a step forward. "She loves you too much."
Leah's fingers gripped the linens more tightly. "Since she was a newborn, she has known me."
Gwen's eyes grew gloomy. "That will be different."
A caution. A proclamation.
Leah refused to back down. 'She's a kid. She requires security.'
A knowing smile curved Gwen's lips. "And you Omega,believe that you are the source of stability?"
Leah remained silent, but that was an answer in and of itself.
Gwen extended her hand and traced the edge of an adjacent table with a neatly manicured finger. "Jacob will eventually come to embrace me. And you won't matter when he does."
Even if the words were a dagger, Leah did not recoil.
Rather, she looked at Gwen with silent determination. "Love is something Serafina will always need. That won't ever change."
Something that was almost displeasure briefly appeared in Gwen's face. And then it was gone as fast.
She chuckled quietly. "Don't you think that's true?"
Leah's back straightened. "Yes, Luna."Gwen squinted, but she remained silent. The smell of her pricey perfume lingered in the air as she turned on her heel and left.Leah exhaled slowly, the weight of the encounter settling on her shoulders.
She had no illusions—this was only the beginning.