I looked at Luna's outstretched hand.
At the power being offered. At the ability to remake the Veil. At the chance to save everyone.
And I saw the trap hidden in salvation.
"No."
The word came out clear. Final. Absolute.
Luna's expression didn't change. Like she'd expected this answer. Like she'd been waiting for it.
"No?" She repeated the word like she was testing its weight. "You refuse power. Refuse the ability to end suffering. Refuse the chance to save countless trapped wolves."
"I refuse to become your emotional parasite."
The court Lunas stirred, divine weapons shifting. Murmurs rising.
"Explain." Luna's voice remained calm but her eyes had gone colder. Darker.
"You don't want a Luna." I gestured to her throne. To the ten court aspects. To the divine magnificence surrounding us. "You want a mirror. Want someone to reflect back feelings you've lost. Want to experience humanity through me because you can't feel it yourself anymore."
