11. The Black Luna's Stride

As I walked down, holding the sides of my robe, I focused only on Elijah. I avoided eye contact with anyone else, refusing to look anxious. Elijah was the only familiar face here, even if he was a bastard.

He looked in my direction, and for a moment, I felt... admiration?

He wasn't drooling, but it was my first time seeing something else in his eyes.

The wolves moved aside, allowing me to walk straight up to him. I nodded politely to both Elijah and the old man beside him.

"I apologize for my absence earlier," I said to Elijah.

He was silent for a moment, then let out a sigh. "It's fine."

An elderly hand reached out to me, and the man introduced himself. "Bishop Lennox, my queen. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Delilah Ramones, Mr. Bishop."

He took my hand to kiss it, which caught me off guard—I'd assumed we'd just shake hands. It was awkward, to say the least. Elijah shook his head slightly and leaned in to whisper near my ear.

"Elder Bishop," he whispered.

"Nice to meet you, Elder