I Dare You

Karina

"Keep that in mind?" I pause, glancing back as Selene forces herself to her feet, trembling but defiant. I can't help the smirk tugging at the corner of my lips. As much as I despise her, I have to admit—I respect her persistence.

And I think I finally understand where it comes from.

Selene is afraid. Terrified, even. Because when I told her the mistress is the one with the truly empty title, I struck a nerve—and I struck true. She might have their affection, and she may bask in the admiration of a lot of loyal pack members, but when it comes to the political arena, she is nothing. A mistress is a shadow behind the throne. A decorative afterthought.

If she bears a child, that child will never be acknowledged by the Alpha Council. That child will never inherit. And even if I am no longer Luna, unless the Council formally appoints her as my replacement, she will remain nameless. Powerless.