Maria.
The tension in the hall slowly dissolved after that. Conversations resumed in low murmurs, chairs shifted, and one by one, the elders began to rise from their seats. Their departure seemed to signal the end of the matter, at least on the surface.
I didn't wait.
The moment the last of them stepped out, I pushed myself up quietly and made my way out as well, not sparing a glance at anyone behind me. I needed space, distance from everything that had just happened.
Most especially from Noah…and Adrien.
The thought of facing either of them right now made something tighten in my chest, something I didn't want to deal with. So I walked.
Down the long hallway.
Aimlessly.
My steps were slow at first, then gradually steadier, though my mind remained anything but calm. Wolves passed by, bowing their heads respectfully as they greeted me, their voices polite and warm.
"Good day, Luna-to-be."
"Greetings, Lady Maria."
