"How long are we staying here again?" I mumble to Micah as we descend the stairs, gripping so tightly onto this hand I'm shocked I don't shatter his bones. "Five minutes, was it?"

"Just follow my lead," he replies, voice so low I barely hear it. 

Barely a second passes until his parents are emerging from the heavy crowd, headed straight towards us. Rose leads the way, fitted perfectly in a soft blue gown with the Alpha a step behind her. His face is natural but his eyes glint with fury directed mainly at his son and I think I'm ready to pass out. 

"My, Athena! You look incredible," Rose exclaims, her arms extended towards me like I'm a gift from the very gods. She hugs me and pulls away, her eyes twinkling with pride as she leans in close and whispers, "We are so glad you could make it."

I try return the smile but one look at the thundering look Micah's father shoots him stops me. Micah doesn't move under the gaze, but his shoulders tighten and I shift my balance, my fingers still locked with his.

"Well someone has certainly grown up, Silas your son is taller than you." My stomach twists at hearing a deep voice. With a shaky breath, I face the Superiors of the nation as they split through the crowd, tall and glittering in jewels. 

They are more daunting than I expected them to be, if that's even possible. They were both clearly muscled and tall, the Luna Superior glittering in a floor length red gown, her beauty unparalleled. And the Alpha Superior was just as intimidating, he smiled warmly but his whole body demanded attention like authority was built intones very aura. 

My limbs lock up.

Silas, Micah's father, the Alpha, laughs and nods as the displeasure quickly melts from his face. "Indeed. They grow from pups so fast."

"Alpha, Luna," Micah acknowledges, bowing his head in a way that exposes his neck. "Please accept my apologies for our late arrival, my mate and I were caught up and didn't realise so much time had passed."

Their attention locked onto me, as if the statement permitted them to analyse every inch of my body, my expression, my fear. "Apology accepted," the Luna states, a gentle smile gracing her lips. "You are a newly mated, it is to be expected. Jayce and I once missed his entire birthday function in our first few weeks of knowing each other."

The Alpha Superior smiled fondly at the memory, pulling his mate to his side. He seemed kind, approachable even. But something in me screamed to shrink away, to disengage from any sort of contact like my body knew of the predator he really was. "We are just happy to meet the lucky girl, Athena, isn't it?"

The silence makes me balk and I glance to Micah before gulping. "Um, uh yes—yes sir, Alpha. Yes Alpha." If the goddess could impart some of her divine intervention and provide me a cliff to jump from that would be greatly appreciated.

"Well, it's so great you are here, Athena. We are all truly blessed by such a match and are excited for all the opportunities this union presents." The Alpha Superior glances at my bare neck, his gaze shifting to Micah's father momentarily before he looks back at me. 

"Father!" A young woman with chestnut hair and tall, slender legs basically runs towards us, her dress fisted in her hands as she beams. "You'll never guess who I just met."

She was younger than us by a few years and had enchanting green eyes that quickly locked onto us, a sheepish grin taking over her features. "Hazel, I was wondering where you'd run off to," the Luna Superior says. 

"Yes, my apologies, I ran into Elias and his mate—I haven't seen him since that training boot camp all those years back."

She was younger than us but as strikingly beautiful as her parents. The superior's daughter, heir to the entire damn nation. The Alpha Superior laughs, nodding towards us. "And here is another happily mated couple for you to meet," he says and her large eyes latch onto us, that smile turning utterly radiant.

"Oh, Micah! Congratulations, you are both so blessed. And it's Athena, right?" She asks.

"Yes, this is my mate, Athena. Thank you again for your blessing and gift a few weeks back, you continue to earn my respect and gratitude as future Luna." Micah's words are honest and I sense the pride he already holds for his future leader.

I have zero fucking clue what he meant by a gift but I smile and try not to look like a lost idiot.

"Hazel has a passion for meeting mates, I think it's all those new movies they are churning out," the Luna Superior jokes and everyone laughs but me. I haven't seen any of those movies.

"Mom," she says in the voice of a teenager, revealing her age underneath that cool composure. "I just love to hear the stories of how people meet, the goddess plans these things very carefully and her work is admirable."

The blue paint I scrubbed from my skin for weeks says otherwise.

The Alpha Superior's face lights up, his gaze snagging on something behind me. "Elias! Hazel was right, you have grown."

We all turn our attention to Elias and my heart almost stops when I see the girl on his arm. Gia is linked to his bicep but my mind does a double take in recognising her.

Gone is the vibrant streak of colour in her dark hair along with the multitude of studded silver accessories that otherwise decorated her face. Her dress was black but the fit was so unlike her usual attire, elegant and reserved - nothing like the baggy emo shirts she swam in or the ripped scantily dresses that she pulled out for special occasions.

She looked like a completely different person and the absence of joy on her face was so obvious. Yet no one else seemed to notice. Or care.

Elias bowed his neck and Gia followed the movement like some sort of puppet. "Alpha Superior, Luna Superior, it is my honour to see you both here tonight. I'd like to formally introduce you to my mate and future Luna, Gia."

"We've met this young girl before I believe," the Luna says, recognition flaring in her gaze. "You are Beta Samuel's daughter, aren't you?"

"Yes, Luna. I am a member of this pack," Elias squeezed her gently, something I wouldn't have noticed if my eyes weren't trained on the way he held her. The grip was firm and steady, a clear reminder to behave.

"That's right!" Hazel exclaims, putting the dots together. "You were at my tenth birthday in the main palace, the Beta's daughter. You, Ellie and the Prince built a paint bomb that exploded over half the main hall."

A muscle feathers in Elias' jaw but when the Alpha Superior laughs, his tenseness dissipates. "That's me, in the flesh," she mumbles, barely concealing the grimace on her face.

"The things we get up to as young pups," The Alpha Superior comments lightly. "As impressive as your engineering skills were at such a young age, I hope we shouldn't be expecting another show of colour tonight."

Elias laughs deeply too, matching the vibe around him well. "There won't be any explosions tonight, you can rest assured. My mate has grown since you saw her last."

No, she hadn't really. Her and Finn pulled pranks all the damn time, in fact, it wouldn't actually surprise me if she did explode a colour bomb tonight.

"Of course, you all have! It feels as though you were all just pups. I suppose we should invite you along to the palace more often." The Luna Superior comments, earning smiles all round.

Gia and I lock eyes and I instantly remove my hand from Micah's, my heart starting to thunder. "Gia, could you show me to the ladies' room?" I asked subtly, catching Elias' attention immediately.

"I'm sur-"

"Of course," She detached herself from her mate immediately and I did the same, our sides attaching to each other like magnets.

I noticed the disapproval in Micah's slight frown but Elias' contempt was far more obvious. "It was great to meet you guys," I add towards the superiors, nodding my head in the complete wrong direction towards them all before scurrying away with Gia.

The minute we are out of earshot, she loosens with a laugh. "You really need to catch up on pack etiquette. I've never heard someone refer to the superiors as guys." My face blanches and I glance back to the group in the centre of the room, wincing. "Relax, they are mostly chill. Plus, you've got a pretty big get out of jail free card with your genetics."

"What's your excuse?" I ask and it silences her.

"I don't have one." Her lips form a grim line as she directs us towards a hall. "Technically, I'm meant to perfectly fit the bill." Even her words held less spark, less fire.

"You look different, sound different. Is everything okay? With Elias?" From the look she gives me I'd wager I'm the first person who has been brave enough to outwardly question it.

"It's fine. We agreed that I'd... tone down for tonight. It was this or go back with him to another ceremony being held in his pack. So pretty easy choice."

"Can he do that? Just dish out ultimatums?"

"Apparently. Technically I am not considered within his pack until I'm marked, so his authority is limited. But he could probably take it before a court and have me moved under his jurisdiction fast enough. Or just mark me."

"That's kinda shitty, I'm sorry you have to deal with that," I say sincerely and she shoots me a look of gratitude but manages another dry laugh.

"Don't be sorry, you've got it worse. At least I half know what I'm in for with that sack of shi-"

"Gia." The deep baritone voice from behind us makes me still. We both turn to see the Beta, frustration and annoyance marring his handsome features. "A word?"

"I'm assisting the future luna to the ladies' room," she replies sweetly, mockingly.

The Beta turned his furious attention to me. "Down the hall and to your right, you don't need my daughter holding your hand. Gia, your brother is currently entertaining your mate but I suggest you get back to your place. Do not embarrass this family any further."

Her whole body tenses for a moment, as if his words strike a physical chord in her and she gives me a tired smile. "Well, the show must go on. I know I promised no paint bombs but you didn't, there's gotta be a craft stash somewhere. Get creative!"

She didn't give me a moment to respond. I watched as she retreated into the party one step ahead of her father who seemed to shepherd her as if she were an animal. I didn't actually need to use the toilet so I followed, trailing behind long enough to witness her approach her mate and brother.

The second she was close, she sped away from her father and beamed at Elias, throwing her arms around his neck before placing a gentle kiss over his lips. Even that act was a slap in the face to her father who heaved a sigh.

"Thea." I whipped my attention to Micah who appeared out of nowhere, moving into my personal space. People were scattered around us, mingling, drinking, eating, laughing. "Did you find the bathroom?"

I play my own part and lean in closer to him, lowering my voice to a whisper. "She doesn't seem alright, Micah. At all."

He stills as I pull back slightly, sympathy lining his features. "I know. I'll speak with Elias, maybe the Beta." But there's not much he can do, was the unsaid truth. "Good news though, Charlie is getting pretty tired and I think he'll need to go home after the first course. I figured I could bribe him with candy to demand we be the ones to put him to sleep."

"Such a strategist," I comment and he smiles, the air lightening around us. "That sounds like a plan."

"If you need to leave any earlier, just let me know," he says sincerely, his voice so low I barely register it. "Maybe we make a secret code word." The suggestion is even lower, so low he needs to lean in close to say it next to my ear. "What about shabooya?" I burst with laughter. 

"Maybe we should aim for something more subtle. I'll just squeeze your hand under the table or something."

He smiles tenderly. "Of course."

"Thank you." I give him a look that tells him I really mean it and his beam turns into a gentle smile. I look behind him, expecting the Superiors to pop out of nowhere but they don't. My shoulders loosen when I catch them at the far end of the room.

"Don't mention it."

"Athena!" I spin around just as Molly barrels into me, hugging me close before pulling back in pure awe. "Oh. My. Goddess! You look stunning! Babe check these two out, aren't they just adorable? And I LOVE that necklace," she gasps, her fingers finding the gem in the centre immediately.

If I am stunning then she is an entire bolt of lightning because the deep red dress that clings to her like a second skin with a flowing train is breathtaking. Her and Benny look literally regal, more so than any of the leaders here. 

Benny laughs and pulls his mate towards him, cuddling close to her side. "You both look incredible, and what an entrance," Ben comments, a brow raised towards the end.

"Gotta give the people what they want," Micah says, grinning with mischief twirling in his eyes. A waiter moves swiftly past us and he swoops up two glasses of sparkling wine, handing one to me.

"Alcohol?" I ask, tentatively wrapping my fingers around the stem.

"One drink won't kill us, we're about to eat a mountain of food. Unless you don't want it," he goes to take it back but I pull it from him, earning a grin as I raise it to my lips. The bubbles dance over my tongue and hints of vanilla and biscuit roll over my senses.

Benny laughs. "Its dangerously good, hey? We've already had a few glasses and whilst its human strength, enough of a good thing can make it bad."

Micah laughs, nodding knowingly. "We learnt that the hard way," he teases and Molly laughs at whatever memory he's talking about.

"And how are you going tonight, Thea? This crowd not scaring you off too much?" Ben asks and Micah moves closer to me with the question, his body brushing up against mine.

I finish my sip and nod, glancing around me at the swarming bustle of people dressed to the nines. "Its okay, I'm excited for the food, Micah ordered us these grilled cheeses today and I think I could die tomorrow and be totally okay with it, my life is complete."

At my joke, Micah laughs as he snakes a hand casually around my waist, I don't reject the advance but mainly because I don't know the implications of doing so in this crowd. "I don't support the dying part but I'm glad you liked it." I meet his gaze and am struck for a moment at just how much pride and admiration glitters in his eyes. 

Over me liking a sandwich.

"Girl, after tonight you are going to want to move in--trust me. The chef Martha is like my actual best friend and arguably my favourite person in the pack house, I think I'd be here half the amount of time if it weren't for her," Molly comments and Ben feigns total hurt.

Micah laughs heartily, tipping his head back before turning to me. "You should've seen this guy the first time Molly visited his place. Him, James and I spent an entire day manically cleaning the  absolute nightmare that was his room." I raise a brow and chuckle. 

"Really?" I ask in disbelief and Benny holds his hands up in surrender. 

"Okay, okay, so I like leaving a little mess around? Sue me." All of us laugh and he points to Micah. "Just coz this guy was raised to make military corners on his  bed each morning doesn't mean my standard has to match." 

Micah shrugs. "Born to be an Alpha, raised to be a homemaker." 

"You do bake a mean cake," Molly adds.

I stifle my smile my raising the glass to my lips, sipping more of the golden bubbles. "Is the party at yours still on for afterwards?" 

"Party?" Our attention snaps to a stunning woman, her emerald gown glittering against her deep skin and the golden jewellery adorning her body. "I sure hope this isn't to be held at our home, Benjamin."

Ben winces, stilling as Molly clasps her lips together. "No, mom, of course not. A few friends were just going to come hang out afterwards." 

A large man comes behind Bennys mom, his hand wrapping itself around her waist as he grins at us--the smile nearly identical to Ben's. "What are you kids up to?" he questions with mock accusation, taking a sip of his champagne before locking onto drinks in our hands.

"Discussing the party being held in our home, apparently." Ben's mom folds her arms and raises a brow. This event is clearly not the time to try hide from parents. 

"Is that so?" Ben's father questions, sending his son a certain look. "I'm sure you were mistaken dear, our boy is spending tomorrow scrubbing the driveway before training with the warriors. So I would suggest you lay off the drinks, son." 

"Of course, Gamma Hollin. I'll make sure he stays out of trouble." Molly places a hand over her mates chest, giving his parents a sweet smile. 

"Maybe you should all avoid drinks tonight," he says, staring at Micah longer than the rest of us. "You are also joining us tomorrow for training, Micah." 

"Trust me, Gamma, this is my one and only. I'm not foolish enough to attend your training with a headache." They all laugh and he places his hand on the small of my back. "I don't think I've introduced you to my mate before, Athena this is Gamma Hollin and his mate, Jane."

"It's truly a pleasure to finally meet you, Athena," Jane says, her attitude shifting dramatically.

"We were so pleased to hear that you were coming tonight, how are you finding it all?" Gamma Hollin asks and I finish my sip of wine. 

"Its a very big event," I say, earning a few laughs. "But it's a good chance to meet everyone." 

"I just introduced Athena to our Superiors," Micah says proudly, smiling at me. 

"Ah, of course. They are truly great leaders and greater people, I served under Jayce as a young soldier back during the revolution, before he was even Beta. I trust they made you feel welcome," he says and the thought makes a sharp pain slice my stomach, not enough to hurt but enough to cause discomfort. 

Right. The man before me, like many others in this room his age served during a time where humans were subjected to servitude. He was part of the revolution that saw years of suffering for my parents, me. 

"They did." I reply. 

Before anyone can say another word, the music stops and a man announces the beginning of the dinner, instructing everyone to take their seats. 

I go to follow Ben and Molly, assuming we'd be grouped together based on age but Micah squeezes my hand, forcing me to stop. 

"Where are we sitting?" I ask.  He looks towards the large table situated at the end of the room, positioned to overlook all others. My gaze lands on the Superiors sitting at the head of the table, the Alpha and Luna positioned next to them. My nerves surge and I can't even swallow the anxiety lodged in my throat. "There?"

My gaze lands on the Superiors sat at the head of the table and the Alpha and Luna to their right. "We'll be near Elias and Gia," he says softly, reassuringly. But my heart picks up pace as he leads us towards the group.  

I nearly choke on my food, glancing at Micah to rescue me again but his mouth is full and the question was directed at me. Not answering wasn't an option.

"Oh, uh yeah. I'm on the school paper and I'm mainly writing lower level stuff but I want to start up a column for pack politics."

"Interesting," he says, quirking a brow to Micah's father before looking back at me intently. "Has anything caught your attention so far?"

The honest answer is yes, but I don't admit that, I doubt he would be impressed by what I plan on covering. So I shrug instead, "I haven't written anything solid yet but I'd like to look more into policy around housing and markets."

Two things I know nothing—nor do I want to know anything about. I doubt telling them my latest interest in a buzz piece on scientific advancements to end the bond would go over well. I'd reached out a few days ago to the protest organiser I met at the university and she'd given me a stream of emails with links and contacts.

"You'd love our finance minister and Gamma of economics—they'll chew the ear off of anyone who'll listen. You'll have to come with your mate on his next visit to the palace."

"Yes! What a great idea, and bring your notepad and pen," the Luna superior added, a light smile on her face.

Go to the palace? As in where they live? With Micah?

"That is very kind of you, I think my next visit is on the eclipse if I recall correctly," Micah steps in, a hand finding the top of my thigh. I remember our escape plan and I'm tempted to use it. 

"Have you undertaken any study on Luna duties?" With the question, Micah's hand doesn't feel comforting. It feels heavy. As if sensing that very fact, he flips it over, knuckles resting on the fabric of my dress in clear invitation, he's giving me an out.

"Uh, no, I haven't." Was I supposed to? Micah said mate training schools were a myth.

"Athena has her school studies to focus on and enjoying her final year of school," Micah responds. "I don't feel it necessary to add more to her plate with everything already so new."

"Of course, you're taking your time. It's completely understandable. When you are ready we have many valuable services that we can refer to you," the Luna Superior adds.

I nod politely. I almost think I'm off the hook when the Alpha Superior narrows his eyes slightly. "How are you finding things otherwise? Your mate is right, this is all new to you-being a human in this role can be complicated."

"Uh, good. Yeah. It's a lot so we are taking it slow which I appreciate. Everyone's..." My gaze flicks my own Alpha and his intense stare, making me gulp. "Everyone's really nice."

"That's truly great to hear, your acceptance of the bond is reflective of the hard work this pack has put into reconciliation. Of course, there is still much work to be done, here and across the nation, but a union like yours is an incredibly powerful thing. You have a real opportunity to influence people with the success of your bond."

His words were a leap and bound from my answer but he was still staring at me with calculation. It's like he see's right through me, senses the fear his words elicit. 

"Athena and I are both dedicated to the ongoing reconciliation of our people. The results of our packs initiatives have proven their worth ten fold"

"They have, this pack has always led by example. But I would like it if Athena would join us tomorrow at our policy review, I know she has not yet been marked but I think it would be worthwhile. The two of you could play a pivotal role in our future plans with this initiative."

"Oh... I don't, I'm not," I glance at Micah, worry filling my eyes and he looks cut with pain for a split second.

"Of course, Alpha, she will be there," Micah's father says before he can interrupt. "We are grateful for you seeing an opportunity in the future of this pack and will assist in whatever way we can."

The Alpha Superior turns to Micah's dad. "Will you all be attending the upcoming summit Silas? It would be a great chance for the new Lunas to meet leaders from other packs. Five packs are set to see new leaders in the next few years, all young and mated."

He nods. "The goddess is good. I can assure you Micah and Athena will attend alongside us, it will be a great opportunity for them both."

"We will also be in attendance," Elias adds quickly.

"Fantastic! Have you been to the capital before, Athena?" The Luna Superior asks and I meet her gaze before lowing it immediately.

"Uh, no." I hate the eager silence that flows whenever I speak, like they are all dissecting every word I have to offer. I'm an outsider, eggshells. "I don't really travel very often," I add.

"Well I'm sure now you'll have plenty of opportunities to accompany your mate to other packs. But truthfully, with such a beautiful city like this to call home I wouldn't blame you for staying forever!" The luna replies with a laugh.

"And a lovely pack house too, it's my favourite to visit," Hazel comments, eyes still glittering before turning to me. "How lucky you are that it will be your home soon enough!"

They all look to me for a response, I should give one but the words can't form in my mind let alone slip past my lips. "We are very blessed," Micah answers. 

Micah's lips tighten and they don't reopen to shoot out a rebuttal. "Have the two of you thought much on your marking ceremony yet? If the after party is anything like this then it'll be the event of the year!" The luna superior comments and my heart thunders in my chest.

Marking ceremony?

The Alpha finishes his bite and Micah clears his throat. "We haven't thought that far ahead, its all still--"

The simple raise of a fork silences Micah as the Alpha Superior furrows his brows in thought. "You know, I think that a televised ceremony could be highly beneficial towards our new initiatives. We could make it a weekend celebration and have it broadcast over the main channels to invite support, you're type of union does not come about so often."

I grab Micah's open palm with my hand, clutching onto it with a death-tight grip like the action will make us vanish into thin air. 

"That's a strategic move, one that would be supported by my packs and many others. Perhaps integration to a campaign that leverages local as well as national media could be useful." Its Elias that comments this, albeit with a slight edge of jealousy and I stop breathing, my stomach starting to twirl.

A  ceremony where Micah bites my neck in front of not just a crowd of people--but broadcast as a campaign to the whole nation? I squeeze Micah's hand but his younger brother doesn't make a fuss and he doesn't stand us up immediately.

His fingers brush over mine but I don't know what message that sends-is he telling me that we can't leave? That I need to wait this out longer?

I can't. I think I'm going to be literally sick.

"Oh that sounds incredible!" Hazel comments, grinning towards me. "You know I have a designer friend from one of the best labels, I bet she'd love to style you." 

"A wonderful thought," Rose praises. "Athena would look just brilliant in white."

Hazel beams. "You can come to a fitting when you visit for the summit!"

"I've got to go." I blurt loudly, drawing all attention onto me. I remove my hand from Micah's and stand up, not meeting anyones stare, especially not his. "I am getting a call, if you'll just excuse me for a moment," I add. 

I don't even have my phone on me. 

"Of course," the Luna Superior says but I was already turning before her permission and within a second I was walking fervently towards the bathrooms Gia's father pointed out, passing crowds and tables of people who all turn to stare at me with their beady eyes.

I imagine all of them--every last one dressed in white as they stare at me on a stage while I am bitten and concreted into this role, this life, this everything. If this was a different time I'd be dragged down that isle kicking and screaming--if I hadn't been bitten against my will already.

All that glorious food rises and rises in my throat and I slap my hand over my mouth as I barrel into the women's bathroom and storm into the first open stall. I don't even close the door behind me I just slump to my knees and hurl my guts into the toilet.

"Thea?" I finish chucking my guts up almost immediately at Micah's muffled voice, my hands stilling beside the bowl.

I rush over to the tap as he knocks once more, scrubbing my hands and my face to not look like death reincarnate.

"I'll be out in a sec!" I reply and my eyes almost subconsciously dart around the small room for a window.

There isn't one.

There is just the door, with my mate, the future Alpha and the most important pack officials behind it.

I pull myself together enough to open the door, revealing Micah. His nose crinkles almost immediately and his eyes train on the toilet and then back to me, a fervent look filling them. "Are you sick?"

Did he just... his nose crinkles again. Yep, he just smelt my vomit.

"You were sick." He states, moving into the room to cup my cheek. "Are you alright? Do you need to visit the pack hospital?"

I gently pull his hand down. "I'm fine, I think I just ate too quickly and the nerves..."

I dart my gaze to the tiles below us and twist at the skin on my thumb.

His hands quickly encase my own, stopping my movement as he stares at me with such tenderness you'd never guess he was who he was.

"I'm so sorry, we can go. Charlie is outside the door waiting on treats as we speak, he wasn't picking up my signal to chuck a fuss I'm so sorry." His hand rests on the side of my neck, his thumb sweeping over my jaw in a swift movement.

I feel bile threaten to spill but I suppress the turmoil in my stomach. "Are they mad?"

Even the thought makes me lightheaded. And it's open-ended too, any one of the officials could be pissed at me right now.

"No," he says quickly. "I told them we are some questionable takeout earlier in the day and then Charlie kicked up so we are clear. You don't need to worry."

I pull my eyes from his intense stare and take a step back, removing any contact. I want to bring up the marking ceremony right here, question him on what the hell they were suggesting out there but I keep my mouth shut.

It's a conversation for a different time, a different place. Far away from some of the most powerful leaders in the world. 

"I don't want to come tomorrow," I say and my words break, tears threatening to spill from my eyes. 

I shouldn't cry, shouldn't reduce myself but this whole thing... it makes me scared. So scared crying seems like the only logical thing to do. 

Micah seems more shattered than me. "I'll tell them you reacted badly to the food,"  he rushes. "Or, or that you drank wolfsbane accidentally-that's happened a few times at these events." 

I nod, trying to keep my lip from quivering and his shoulders slump. He reaches a palm out just as Charlie bounds into the room. "You promised me candy!" he accuses his brother, agitated. 

"You'll get your candy you little terror," Micah replies, glancing back at me. "You okay?" 

"Yeah," I manage. "Let's just go."

He takes my hand in his as his brother grins mischeviously running out front to lead the way. I don't look at the formidable table as we leave nor do I give any attention to the staring eyes as we leave the way we came. 

I just grip Micah's hand like its my lifeline and pray to whatever god is above that this is the last time I'll step foot into this room. 

a/n

**crawls out of shady cave

Hey, hey guys, it's me, khalesi --withered and old and surviving. But hereeeee

For real though! SORRY guys its been a hot minute, life has been crazy and I fear I may be girl bossing too close to the sun atm. Adulting is hard, studying and working is hard but I've tried to write in my moments of escape!

MASSIVE SHOUT OUT to Tay who helped read through this and motivate me to publish it, I've been in a writers block rut and she stuck by with so much support so THIS ONES FOR HER!!!!!

luv ya, til next time!

Khalesi <33333