Chapter 78: Power Dynamics
(Trigger Warning: This Chapter contains explicit content and is intended for mature readers.)
Luna Evelyn’s eyes darted between Jessie and me, her lips pressed into a thin line of disapproval. The tension in the air thickened.
“What is going on here?” she demanded, her voice cold.
Before I could open my mouth to explain, Jessie’s entire demeanor transformed. The venom and anger in her eyes melted into injustice. Tears welled up in her eyes.
“Luna Evelyn,” she said, her voice quivering perfectly. “I was just trying to help with the decorations like you asked, but Hazel keeps undermining me.”
I stared at her in disbelief. The quick switch from vicious to victim was masterful.
“That’s not what happened—” I started, but Luna Evelyn cut me off with a raised hand.
“I heard enough,” she said, her gaze settling coldly on me. “Hazel, this behavior is completely unacceptable. Is this how you think the future Luna should conduct herself? Arguing publicly with pack members who are only trying to help?”
My cheeks burned with indignation. “With all due respect, Luna Evelyn, Jessie was—”
“Just doing as I instructed,” Evelyn finished for me, crossing her arms. “Which is more than I can say for you. Perhaps Jessie is right after all.”
“Right about what?” I asked, frowning.