Moonbound: The Rogue's Second Chance-Chapter 195: THEY DO NOT KNOW YET

Serena blew on the steam that rose from her cup, then sneezed abruptly. The sound startled the robin perched just outside the window, and she looked up just in time to see it flutter into the distance, its wings catching the late golden hue of evening. A small smile tugged at her lips as she returned her gaze to the tea in her hands, letting the warmth of the cup seep into her fingers.

She’d skipped dinner. Her stomach wasn’t in the mood for anything heavy, and truthfully, she welcomed the quiet. This wing of the castle, tucked away past the southern hall, was quieter, and less occupied. Darius had said it would be best to meet Annamarie here. This side had fewer eyes, ever since the guest had arrived there had been so many new faces in the castle now.

And she had appreciated his suggestion.

The scent of herbs drifted up from her tea, chamomile and lavender, with just the barest touch of honey. Her eyes wandered the room: tall bookshelves along one wall, a faintly crackling hearth, and thick rugs beneath her slippers. It was a pleasant room, a wee bit smaller than her room but calming.

Her thoughts drifted as they often did these days, towards what lay ahead. Her chest tightened faintly at the thought of playing ambassador again but this time with even more pressure. It was not that she didn’t know how, but something about representing Crimsonclaw here in Ironshade, among wolves that had only recently begun to trust one another, felt heavier than before. She was afraid to destroy all the work that had been earlier done.

Footsteps echoed faintly down the corridor. Serena perked up just as the door creaked open.

A bundle of fur-lined wool and long dark curls burst into the room with a bright laugh. "There you are!"

"Anna," Serena breathed, rising quickly.

Annamarie didn’t hesitate. She rushed forward and wrapped Serena in a tight embrace that nearly made her spill the tea. "You are real," the younger woman mumbled, squeezing harder.

Serena chuckled and hugged her back just as tightly. "You always say that."

"I always mean it." Annamarie finally pulled back, her brown eyes warm. "It’s so good to see you. You look... tired, but pretty. And that dress-"

"It’s one of Livia’s work," Serena offered, smoothing the fabric self-consciously.

"Of course it is," Anna grinned. "The woman could make a pile of moss look like royal garb."

Serena laughed and motioned to the seat across from her. "Sit. I saved you a cup."

"I knew I loved you," Annamarie said dramatically as she flopped into the chair and reached for the tea. "Jack says I’m too spoiled. But he drinks more tea than I do, so really, who’s judging?"

Serena’s brows arched slightly, amused. "Are you still bickering with Jack?"

Annamarie rolled her eyes, though the pink dusting her cheeks was unmistakable. "He is a spade. But... a reliable one."

"Mmhmm," Serena hummed knowingly but said nothing more. She knew better than to push. If the two of them had not figured it out yet, well, she would give them time.

The quiet settled over them for a beat before Annamarie tilted her head. "You know... things feel different lately."

Serena lifted a brow. "Different how?"

"People seem lighter. Like... like the wind has changed. Wolves are talking more in the market. Even the older one seem less wary. I think this whole Dawnbreak thing might be working."

Serena smiled faintly and sipped her tea. "Maybe."

Annamarie leaned in, voice lowering slightly. "That Dawnbreak delegate...Riven, was it? He’s pretty fine."

Serena nearly choked on her drink.

"I’m just saying!" Annamarie held up her hands. "He is tall, got that dark mysterious scowl thing going on-"

"He also looks like he hasn’t smiled in ten years," Serena replied.

"I mean, so does Silas, but we still let him command the army."

Serena laughed outright at that.

Annamarie grinned and sipped her tea again. "He is scary though. I don’t think he’s spoken to anyone except the council and Livia. Not even the guards or the cooks. It’s like they are walking on clouds, these Dawnbreak wolves. I am sure they feel so untouchable."

Serena’s smile faded a bit as she looked into her cup. "They do not know yet," she murmured.

Annamarie blinked. "Who doesn’t know what?"

Serena exhaled slowly. "The Dawnbreak wolves. They don’t know I am the ’ambassador’. At least not officially. I think Darius and Ryker wanted to keep it quiet until the time was right."

Annamarie sat up straighter. "Oh."

"I will be stepping in soon," Serena continued. "As Crimsonclaw’s voice in these negotiations and to put some sort of pressure."

Annamarie was quiet for a moment before reaching across the table and placing her hand over Serena’s. "Then they are in for a surprise."

Serena blinked.

Annamarie gave her a small, confident smile. "You have been out here, working, helping, talking to people. You have done more work in five weeks than most wolves do in a season. And if they have not bothered to talk to anyone outside their perfect little circle, then it is their blunder."

Serena squeezed her hand lightly. "Thank you."

"Besides," Anna added, leaning back, "you are going to look amazing when you walk in there and stun them all. Jack and I were saying it the other day."

Serena’s chest warmed at the words. "That sounds like something you would say after two cups of wine."

Annamarie grinned. "It might have been three."

They both laughed again, the sound easing some of the tightness Serena hadn’t realized she’d been carrying in her shoulders.

As the fire crackled in the hearth and the evening wind whispered against the windowpanes, Serena sat a little straighter, her tea cooling in her cup.

As the fire crackled in the hearth and the evening wind whispered against the window panes, Serena sat a little straighter, her tea cooling in her cup.

Anna’s words touched her greatly, she scratched her hair absentmindedly and nodded at the other woman. She wasn’t alone in this. And when the time came, she would rise as she always had.

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