[POV: Solenne]
The Citadel's great hall was more well-lit than she had ever seen it. Firelight danced across rows of long tables, casting highlights off golden chalices and polished platters. Wolves filled the benches—warriors, couriers, some of the elders—waiting, watching.
This was not yet the Moon Ceremony, but near enough that Solenne's belly roiled. It had only been a few days since she began lessons, but Lady Erayne had decreed Solenne would require several "trial runs" before the real thing.
This would be her first dinner as Luna.
She glided between the tables with Ruvan at her side. His presence was a burning shield, heavy and possessive, but tonight she couldn't hide behind it. Wolves weren't gazing at him. They were staring at her.
Lady Erayne's words came back to her: Presence. Fire. Poise.
Solenne lifted her chin and forced herself to swallow the lump that had begun to swell in her throat, and she did not stumble.
