Astor's steely eyes bore into mine, challenging, daring me to look away. But I held his gaze, my jaw clenched and shoulders squared. The air crackled with tension as we faced off in silent combat.
Seconds stretched into an eternity. My heart pounded, but I refused to show weakness. Finally, Astor's eyes flickered downward and he dipped his head in a reluctant bow.
"That's how a Luna should talk," he muttered, a hint of grudging respect in his gruff voice.
A small thrill of satisfaction coursed through me, but I kept my expression neutral. It was only right that he defer to me, whether he liked it or not, and it was below me to thank him for it.
“I’m glad we understand each other,” I said evenly.
Astor grunted and stalked away, his pride clearly displeased at having to bow his head, b
