Chapter 8

I didn't want to waste another word on them. I turned and walked toward the castle's back garden. "Meow." My kitten was out there, bathing in the moonlight, looking up at me. I picked it up and had just sat down in the garden pavilion when Ivy followed me in. "Luna Nova," she said, one hand resting on her rounded belly, her smile impossibly sweet. "Silas said that once the pup is born, I'll have the same status and authority as a Luna." She leaned in close, her voice dropping to a whisper by my ear. "But I can't wait that long. I want it now." I slowly turned my head, not yet saying a word. Ivy suddenly screamed. At the same time, her hand lashed out, grabbing the kitten in my arms. Startled and in pain, the kitten struggled wildly, its hind legs kicking out and striking her stomach. "H-Help! Ah, damn kitten! My baby—!" she shrieked, collapsing to the ground, her cries piercing. Before I could even react, hurried footsteps and furious shouting came from behind. "Ivy!" Silas