80. Cassie

With Robyn’s assistance, I managed to stand up, the armoured dress tearing into my ribs.

The ruby red blood and tacky orange silk is stark against the stone floor, broken glass flashing back at me, reflecting the lightning above.

Wiping my face, I watch as every person goes from staring at Elle’s mangled corpse to look up at me. “The Luna of Kallio!” Robyn declares again, firnly, and every head bows in compliant recognition.

I somehow glided emotionlessly through the rest of my victory. Legs shaking, I descended and, without talking, headed into the ballroom. Away from the still-pouring rain, wind and carnage. The remaining Alpha Council followed suit.

Now, in the middle of a party never intended for me, every single guest stares in a thousand different ways. From working out one scheming snake I’m potentially facing up to a dozen more going forward.

Ayr has vanished into the bowels of the cliffs, taking Robyn and Lucas with him. It doesn't stop the gossip, wondering why he came