"Are you okay?" Damien asked. Her skin was a touch too pale for his liking.
"I'm fine. Very fine." Luna gave him a small smile that was clearly meant to reassure, but the strain behind it was evident. She was doing what queens did best—standing tall even while cracked beneath the surface.
She turned to Luciver, her tone softening with sincerity. "Thank you."
She was thanking him for choosing her, for seeing her as family. As queen.
Luciver gave a wide smile.
That rare expression softened his otherwise intimidating presence, his eyes twinkling for a moment with warmth. "Anytime."
Luna got to her feet, steadying herself with an inhale. The storm inside her had calmed, but the waves hadn't settled completely. She was still carrying a war beneath her skin—one of maternal fury.
"I'm going to take a rest. Could you have Doctor Thessaly come in when she arrives?"
Damien nodded.
