Page 52 of A Hunter for Luna

The dining tabledazzled with opulence when we were called to it. Crystal glasses glinted in the candlelight, silver cutlery gleamed against fine linen, and platters of sumptuous food filled the air with savory aromas. Whole roasted peacocks refeathered in their colorful plumage perched alongside steaming meat pies and delicate fish dishes. Stern-faced de Metteil ancestors gazed down from gilt-framed portraits lining the walls, silently observing the gathering below.

Laughter and lighthearted chatter still floated through the air, but beneath it ran an undercurrent of tension, nervous energy thrumming in every voice. My gaze fell on Luna across the table from me, her head tilted attentively as she listened to Palma, a charming smile gracing her lips. Pip strutted proudly on the back of her chair, preening under the guests' admiring glances.

She looked like she belonged here. Her father had callously abandoned Luna and her sister in Legnali for most of the year, far from the circles of social life. The shameful scandal of how he mistreated his wives after taking their dowries still lingered.

Luna grew up in the boonies, yet my mother trained her well. This poised young woman is worlds apart from the child I married.

At the head of the table sat the guest of honor, Alexis Cosmelis, the emperor's esteemed advisor. A thin, elderly man, his sharp, observant eyes missed nothing. He wore elegant but understated clothing, every movement imbued with deliberate grace and thoughtfulness.

"Lord Cosmelis, such an honor to have you grace our table," Palma gushed. "We are most humbled by your presence."

"The honor is mine, Lady Palma," Alexis said. "House de Metteil's hospitality is unparalleled. And I must say, your lovely guest is a most charming addition."

Luna inclined her head demurely. "You are too kind, Lord Cosmelis. I am still finding my way in this world, but House de Metteil has welcomed me and my husband as one of their own."

I bit back a scoff.Finding her way? More like conquering it.A surge of some foreign emotion caught me off guard. Pride? Respect? Dead gods rotting, when did that happen?

Luna's knowing gaze met mine for a fleeting instant, a secretive smile playing at the corners of her mouth. In that moment, an unspoken understanding passed between us. We both wore our masks well.

As the evening wore on, I watched with a mix of irritation and grudging admiration as Luna charmed the guests effortlessly. She laughed at all the right moments, asked insightful questions, and seemed genuinely interested in the stories people told her. It was clear she was playing a role, but damn, she played it well.

Cosmelis leaned in close to Luna, speaking quietly. I noticed the way his eyes lingered on her, a thoughtful look crossing his face as if he were trying to puzzle her out. Why was Cosmelis paying so much attention to her? A spike of possessiveness surprised me. What did he see that I was missing?

"I hear you hail from Legnali, Lady Luna," Cosmelis said. "A charming coastal town. I've spent many a summer there myself."

"Indeed, my lord," Luna said. "Though I fear my experiences there were quite different from yours. Legnali is a different place when the wealthy summer guests depart."

Cosmelis raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Do tell."

Luna's smile turned wistful. "Let us say that Legnali has many faces, not all of them as picturesque as the vineyards and hills. But it taught me resilience and adaptability, lessons I carry with me always."

Resilience and adaptability. The words echoed in my mind. How much of Luna's past did I truly know? The scandal of her father's behavior, whispers of her mother's fate... What had her life been before we married?

Cosmelis nodded, his expression inscrutable. "Valuable lessons indeed. Ones that will serve you well in navigating the complexities of court life."

"I am learning more every day, with the help of my kind hosts," Luna demurred.

She plays the game well. A game I hate.

As Cosmelis turned his attention to another guest, I caught Luna's eyes. But in that fleeting moment, I saw a glimmer ofthe real Luna beneath the polished veneer. A fierce, determined woman forged by the fires of adversity. A survivor, just like me.

And though I would never admit it aloud, a part of me marveled at the woman she had become. A far cry from the frightened child I briefly met, Luna navigated our treacherous world with a grace and cunning that both unnerved and captivated me.

Lorenzo caught my eye from across the table, raising an eyebrow as if to say,“She's good, isn't she?”

I gave him a tight smile, lifting my wine glass in a mock toast.Too good. And it's getting under my skin.

When the party wound down, I excused myself, among the last of the gusts to prevent suspicion. I made my way upstairs to my private chambers, my mind already shifting gears, focusing on the task ahead.

In my room, I swiftly changed into darker clothing, a dark red tunic and breeches that would blend into the shadows. Dark grey or red blended better than black. I strapped my sword to my hip, the familiar weight a comforting presence. Glancing out the window, I took in the moonlit city sprawled before me, feeling the rush of anticipation that always preceded a raid.

Time to hunt.To get answers.

As I stepped into the hallway, I nearly collided with Luna. She stood there, dressed in a simple riding dress and a black cloak, her auburn hair twisted up into the red veil. A pack hung from her hand, and her eyes glinted with determination.

"Going somewhere?" she asked, her tone light but her gaze sharp.

I rolled my eyes. "I'm heading out. And no, you're not coming with me. Remember the wound on your leg?"

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