CHAPTER 97: DRESSING FOR WAR

Josie

I pulled back quickly, my breath still warm from Varen’s kiss, but all the heat that had gathered between us vanished the moment I saw Kiel leaning casually against the wall. His arms were folded over his chest, and that smug look on his face... gods, it made me want to throw something at him. But it wasn’t just any kind of smugness. It was that ridiculous "I told you so" smirk, mixed with something too amused for its own good. He had clearly seen everything.

Normally, I would have been furious. Embarrassed, at the very least. But right now, for some ridiculous reason, I couldn’t muster a drop of anger. Not when his eyes sparkled like that, not when he looked like he was holding back laughter. I sighed, brushing invisible dust off my sleeves as I stood.

"I’m going back to bed," I muttered, already turning on my heel.

Kiel pouted dramatically, as if I’d broken his heart just by walking away. "Was it something I said? Or did I just ruin your little fairy tale?" he teased, wiggling his brows.

I opened my mouth to shut him down, but before I could, Varen jumped in. "Honestly, Kiel, have you ever heard of this thing called privacy?"

Kiel gave a dramatic gasp. "Are you referring to me, dear brother? Because I, for one, am a pro at respecting boundaries."

I rolled my eyes. "A pro, huh?"

"You’re about as respectful as a raccoon in a jewelry store," Varen deadpanned.

That set off a very childish, very absurd back-and-forth argument between them. Varen accused Kiel of having the emotional maturity of a spoon. Kiel accused Varen of being as romantic as a dead leaf. Varen called Kiel a drama queen. Kiel called Varen a walking thundercloud. It was endless. I stared at them, lips twitching.

"You know," I cut in, "sometimes I think the two of you are actually in a relationship."

They both froze.

"What?" Kiel looked like he’d been slapped with a wet fish.

Varen’s eyes widened. "No—we are in a brotherly relationship. Brotherly."

"That’s what I meant," I said innocently, even as laughter threatened to bubble in my throat.

Kiel narrowed his eyes at me. "She’s corrupted."

"I blame you," Varen told Kiel.

"Me? You’re the one who kissed her!"

"You were spying."

"You were moaning."

"Oh my god, stop." I covered my face. "I don’t want to hear this."

That did it. I cracked. I laughed so hard, my stomach hurt. It felt good. Really good. Too good to be real.

Eventually, I excused myself while they were still groaning about how disgusting it would be to date your own brother—especially since they were dating the same woman. That awkward realization hung in the air like smoke, and I escaped before they could drag me back into more chaotic banter.

Back in my room, I found my maid already inside, fussing over a dress draped delicately on the bed. It was beautiful—layers of silk, soft blues, embroidery that probably took weeks. But I wasn’t in the mood. Not even close.

"No," I said, waving it off. "Find me something that makes me feel masculine."

The maid blinked, eyes wide with horror. "Masculine, my Lady?"

I nodded, already pulling off my robe. "Yes. I’m not in the right mindset to be some dolled-up porcelain statue today."

She looked genuinely disturbed. "But... no woman in this pack dresses like a man. It’s not done. Ever."

I turned slowly, glaring at her until she swallowed. "I know what’s done and what isn’t. You can either do as I say, or you can decide right now whether you want to work for people like me. Because I am not in the mood for this nonsense today."

Her mouth opened and closed. "Yes, my Lady. I apologize." She practically stumbled out of the room, skirts swishing in her haste.

I sighed and rubbed my temples. My body was exhausted, but my mind was racing.

A half hour later, she returned, breathless and sweating, but she carried with her something that made me pause. It was almost an exact replica of Varen’s outfit—dark tunic, deep collar, and fitted coat—but the pants were baggy and soft enough to move freely in. Somehow, it made me feel... braver. Stronger.

Alone, I changed into the outfit, tugging the trousers up and smoothing the tunic down. When I caught my reflection in the tall mirror by the door, I blinked.

I didn’t look like the future Luna.

I looked like someone who could fight back.

As I adjusted the cuffs, I couldn’t stop thinking about how warm Varen made me feel. His touch. His voice. The quiet way he looked at me, like I was something precious. No one had ever looked at me like that.

A knock pulled me from my thoughts.

"My Lady," the maid called, "the elders are here. They wish to see you."

I froze.

One word—elders—was enough to shake me. I swallowed the nerves down and composed my face. Calm. I needed to be calm. This wasn’t the first time I’d dealt with scrutiny.

"Do you want to change into something more presentable?" the maid asked hesitantly, hands nervously wringing together. "Perhaps something... more traditional?"

I raised an eyebrow. "So, what I’m wearing now is insulting?"

"N-no, my Lady, I didn’t mean it like—"

"Careful," I said, voice low. "You’re starting to sound like you think I don’t know how to dress myself."

She gulped. "My apologies, Lady Josie."

"Good."

I left her there and walked out into the corridor.

They’d told me to meet them in the private garden. The place where the future Luna handled important guests. Every step I took made my heart beat faster. I should have changed. Gods, why didn’t I change? I should’ve listened to the maid. What was I thinking?

But I didn’t stop. I squared my shoulders and walked forward.

The sun filtered down through the trees, casting golden light over the stone path. I spotted them immediately—three elders, all dressed in robes that looked heavy enough to drown in. Their eyes flicked over me the moment I stepped into view.

Not one of them bowed.

"We’re here regarding Michelle," one of them said bluntly, without preamble.

My heart squeezed tight, but I nodded.

"There’s no avoiding it," another said, voice dry. "Michelle is demanding justice. Loudly."

"She insists that you step down," the third added, "as Kiel’s future Luna."

I said nothing. I didn’t move. I didn’t breathe. I simply looked them dead in the eye and waited for the storm to hit.

And it would.

But I would be ready.