Stella reclined in a chair near the window, wrapped in a silk bathrobe. A glass of wine shimmered in her hand though the sun was barely overhead. She looked out at the courtyard as if the world belonged to her.
I closed the door softly. "Stella," I began, "I came to thank you. For saving me when I crossed into Lucien's territory. I owe you my life. And I… I need your help."
She turned her head slowly, her lips curling. "All good," she said coldly. "I am already a slave to you and your husband."
I stiffened. "That is not what I mean."
She sipped her wine lazily. "I don't care what you mean."
I swallowed my pride. "I have come for the Lunar Crest. I need it urgently."
Her eyes widened in mockery. "The Lunar Crest? What nonsense is this? I have never heard of it."
"I remember," I pressed. "You once spoke of it. You said you had something, something you would give me. I am certain you meant the Luna's Crest. I am sure you have it."
