MADELINE’S POV

Today is Louisiana’s Luna ceremony. I wasn’t surprised when I got a message from her, early in the morning. I wasn’t eager to go, but ignoring her wasn’t an option.

Her room was bustling when I arrived. Servants swarmed around her, fixing every detail of her outfit—the rose pink dress that hugged her in the right places, the heavy gold necklace on her neck, even the tiniest strand of her hair. Louisiana stood in front of the full-length mirror, soaking up the attention. She was born for it, anyway.

“Everyone out,” she commanded suddenly.

The maids stood, unsure if they heard her right, before scurrying out like frightened...