Chapter 43

• AUBREY
• My palms are slick with nervous sweat as we approach the towering double doors at the far end of the council hall. The polished wood gleams under the afternoon sunlight streaming through stained glass windows, and I can hear the low murmur of authoritative voices beyond the barrier. My heart hammers against my ribs with a rhythm that feels loud enough for everyone to hear.
• Deep breaths, I remind myself, smoothing down the sapphire silk of my gown one final time. You're supposed to be their future Luna Queen, not some terrified girl.