Only the lingering looks of the servants who had grown to revere her, recognized Leah as she walked through the corridors of Barduff Castle like a ghost. She was aware that Gwen was far from done with her plans, but she had also heard Jacob's words in his study, the subtle but strong promise that she would stay.
The Luna's murmurs had become more subtle and her poisonous glares harsher. Leah was no fool, and Gwen would not let up until she managed to get her out of the castle. Leah also couldn't afford to be not ready.
As the days went by, the tension in the air increased. More than ever, Serafina held on to Leah, her tiny hands clutching her arm whenever Gwen was about. Even before Leah had mentioned the undercurrents of animosity, the youngster, who was clever beyond her years, had sensed them.
One night, as Leah put her to bed, Serafina muttered, "She doesn't like you."
The girl's hair was pushed away from her face by Leah. "That is irrelevant. Your happiness and safety are what count.
With a scowl, Serafina searched Leah's face with her keen small eyes. "Assure me you won't go."
Leah was hesitant.
Knowing that vowing to stay forever was a commitment she might not be able to fulfill, she ultimately said, "I promise I will always be here for you."
The horror in Serafina's eyes persisted even after she appeared to accept that response.
Three evenings later, Gwen took the next step.
Leah heard a ruckus in the main hall while she was in the kitchens making sure Serafina's evening tea was made exactly the way she liked it. She cleaned her hands hurriedly and walked toward the commotion as the sound of loud voices sent a shiver of worry through her.
She got there in time to witness two guards dragging a rumpled man with iron cuffs around his wrists into the castle. His clothes were ripped as though he had been battling, and his face was splattered with mud.
Gwen stood in the middle of the hall, her lips curled into a smug smile. Jacob loomed next to her, his face impassive, but Leah could tell something was seriously off by the way his fists were clenched.
Gwen's voice echoed across the chamber as she declared, "This man was discovered sneaking around the castle grounds." "Are you aware of what he said?"
As Gwen turned to face Leah, her eyes glimmering with something wicked and triumphant, Leah felt her stomach tighten.
"Omega, he says he's connected to you."
A whisper passed through the assembled assembly. Leah's heart was racing.
She hurriedly said, "That's a lie," and moved forward. "This man is unknown to me."
Gwen's smile remained unwavering. "Oh, but it looks like he knows you really well. Should we listen to him?
Now, Jacob's unfathomable expression was fixed on Leah.
Leah's mind was racing, and she was breathing more quickly. She understood precisely what Gwen was doing, but she didn't know who this man was.
The new Luna was setting her up.
And before it was too late, she needed to figure out how to stop it.