Chapter 85

My life had become a strange, terrifying dream.

A week ago, I was bleeding out in a rogue dungeon, wondering if I’d see the sun. Now, Poppy was holding two expensive dresses against me while Jessie argued over gold jewelry like it was a matter of life and death.

“No, absolutely not,” Jessie said, snatching a dark blue dress from Poppy. “That color makes her look too cold.”

Poppy rolled her eyes. “She’s becoming Luna Queen, Jessie. Not a cupcake.”

I sat on the couch, buried under piles of dresses, seating charts, and ribbons. It was enough ceremonial nonsense to drown a person.

Meredith used to handle all of this—every Alpha visit, every party. But she barely left her room now. So, somehow, it was all on me.

It felt insane. I still woke up in a panic every time the pack bond hummed in my head.

Poppy narrowed her eyes at me. “You’re spiraling.”

I blinked. “What?”

“That face.” Jessie pointed at me. “That