Liana's expression was distant as she looked out of the window, her posture rigid. Anne sat in silence. The cold elegance Liana usually carried had faltered.
"I was groomed for this life, Anne," Liana began softly, her voice laced with both bitterness and nostalgia. "From the moment I could understand words, I was taught that I would become Luna Queen. That my role was to lead, to be strong, and to marry a man who could rule by my side."
She turned, her eyes distant as though she were looking at a much younger version of herself. "I met Richard a few times before I turned eighteen. He was everything a future Alpha should be—strong, commanding, respected. We had a connection. I liked him. He liked me. We didn't think of true mates back then. We assumed we were destined for each other. It was a perfect match."
