The title drops into the room like a stone plunging into water, sending ripples of shifting expressions through the crowd. Faces around us morph—some instantly guarded, others assessing, and a few openly radiating skepticism.

Alistair’s words cut through the murmurs as he addresses them, his voice sharp and unyielding. "She is to be treated with the utmost respect and afforded every courtesy befitting the role of Luna." His gaze sweeps slowly over the crowd, as cold and ...