lle's

chill of the lake still clung to my skin. I touched my own throat, f

l Medical System activated. Host body vital signs stable. Chronic silver

r poi

as a slow, deliberate poisoning. A cold fury displace

been given a second chance,

sekeeper, waddled in. Her eyes widened in surprise when she saw

thought you might have the dece

ale, black bread. My loyal maid, Faye, trailed behind them, her eyes wide with shock

ed Matr

id water onto the hem of my chemise. "Get up and clean yoursel

rgy inside me, willing it outward. A faint press

She took a step back,

e you looking at

t cut through the room. "Matron Hicks, as the

me I had ever claimed my title. Matron Hicks stared.

hter! A disfigured disgrace!" sh

rom the bed and walked toward her until

ctly into her eyes. "According to pack law, disrespecting the Luna is a g

. He was a fanatic for pack law and order. He would not

her brow. She

y gaze. My fingertips were cold, and she flinched. "I wa

red. She scrambled out of the roo

ng only me and Faye. The yo

g a weary smile. "Faye,

her knees at my feet, tears spilling from her eyes. "No, My L

ugh my chest. I looked at my reflection in a silver-backe

e silver mark on my face. With the knowledge