I stood frozen at the edge of the crowd, my escape halted by Elder Adrian Valois's commanding voice echoing across the courtyard. Every muscle in my body tensed as he called for me to join Julian, his son—my mate in name only.
This was nothing but a political move, another manipulation by the Valois family. They couldn't allow Julian to publicly acknowledge Natalie after the DNA scandal. Not when appearances mattered more than truth in their world.
Two security guards materialized beside me, not touching me but making it clear I wasn't free to leave.
"Luna Monroe," one said quietly. "Elder Valois has requested your presence."
I could feel hundreds of eyes burning into my back. The crowd had parted, creating a path directly to where Julian stood with his father on the ceremonial platform. My mouth went dry.
"I'm not playing this game," I whispered fiercely.
The guard leaned closer. "Please, Luna. Don't make this more difficult than it needs to be."
