Chapter 23. The Weak-Minded Luna

Two days later, Priscilla died in her sleep, and the next morning, she was buried with no honor in the pack’s burial grounds.

The pack kitchen quarters mourned briefly, though most quickly moved on to their daily duties. A maid’s death was not uncommon, and whispers of her hidden affection for Theo—fueled by the forged letter Samantha had planted—kept the shadows of suspicion from shifting elsewhere.

With Priscilla gone, the matter closed itself neatly.

And Samantha, once again, wore her mask of innocence. She bowed low at Priscilla’s burial, tears glistening on her cheeks like a grieving sister. Many admired her devotion and kindness, praising her as the maid who had once saved the Luna from poison.

That night, as she lay in her small chamber, Samantha smiled in the darkness. No guards followed her. No eyes watched her steps.

Priscilla is gone. My path is clear now.

***

The next morning, Samantha was summoned to the meeting room. Her heart