Chapter 25: The Moon’s Revolution

The man on top of her had brown curls falling slightly into his eyes, and a set of thick-rimmed glasses. He had an expression of panic as he scrambled off of her.

Handsome, Hazel thought before she could stop herself.

"Your Majesty!" he blurted, eyes going wide as saucers the moment recognition hit. "I am so sorry, I didn’t—I wasn’t looking where I was—"

Becky shoved him back a step, none too gently, before crouching down to help Hazel to her feet. "Are you okay?"

"Yes, yes." Hazel dusted off her trousers, nodding quickly. "I’m fine."

The boy bowed so low his nose nearly grazed his knees. "I am so sorry, truly. I was trying to catch up to a lecturer before his office hours ended and I—"

"Slow down," Becky said, waving a hand. "She’s not dead. You don’t have to be so afraid."

He laughed awkwardly, straightening up and rubbing the back of his neck.

Becky’s eyes narrowed slightly, scanning him over. "Let me see your marks."

He held both hands out obediently, palms up. Hazel’s eyes flicked to them on instinct, the etched Constellation on his left palm, and on his right, a symbol she recognized, thanks to what Lucian’s court had beaten into her over the years.

"Gamma," Becky murmured, more to herself than anyone. "And Sagittarius, if I’m reading that right. Wildstrike pack?"

He nodded.

"What’s your name?" Hazel asked before she could think better of it.

"Kyler." He offered a sheepish smile. "Kyler Storm."

Just then, the doors behind him swung open again, and two more figures spilled out, a girl with vivid red hair, and another with soft brown waves.

Hazel’s mouth fell open.

"Scarlett?" she breathed. "Imogen?"

Both girls froze mid-step, blinking rapidly before their eyes widened in unison.

"Oh my— " Scarlett started, immediately dropping into a bow, Imogen following half a second later.

"Your Majesty, we didn’t—what is the Queen doing here?"

"Hiii, Becky!" Imogen chirped, waving cheerfully over Hazel’s shoulder like the sudden appearance of royalty hadn’t just short-circuited her brain entirely.

Scarlett straightened first, breaking into a grin as she threw her arms around Becky in a tight hug. "Hey, girl. What’s up?"

"Showing your Queen around," Becky said, smirking.

"Oh, I would love to show you around!" Scarlett’s whole face lit up.

"Oh—I suppose you can," Hazel said, a little startled by the enthusiasm, though not unpleasantly so.

Her gaze drifted back to Kyler despite herself.

He really is handsome.

The thought came once again, and immediately guilt curled hot in her stomach right behind it. Was she even allowed to think that? She was married. She had a husband. A husband who had very clearly told her they should live separate lives, yes, but still—

Her mind betrayed her instantly, dragging up the memory of Conan’s mouth against her neck, the graze of his teeth just below her ear, the sound he had made against her skin—

Her face went hot.

"My Queen?"

Scarlett’s voice cut through the haze, and Hazel blinked rapidly, snapping back to reality.

"I’m alright," she said quickly, clearing her throat. "Sorry. Lead the way."

~

The library was breathtaking.

Towering shelves stretched two stories high, connected by an iron railing on the upper level, sunlight spilling through arched windows onto rows of worn wooden tables. Hazel found herself slowing her steps just to take it all in.

A few students glanced up as they passed and immediately dropped into hasty bows, murmuring "Your Majesty" under their breath before scurrying back to their books. Most, though, barely spared her a second glance, too absorbed in their own studying, or simply too well-trained in indifference to make a scene.

Hazel appreciated that more than she could say.

"So," Kyler said, falling into step beside her, scratching the back of his neck. "What are you into? I heard you’re from Tideclaw. What’s that like?"

Hazel let out a short laugh. "Not good. That’s the honest answer."

He winced sympathetically but didn’t push. "Fair enough. I’m studying psychology, myself. Second year. Scarlett and Imogen are taking the same course, and that’s actually how we all know each other."

Hazel frowned slightly. "What’s psy—"

"How about this," Becky interrupted smoothly, clearly sensing the confusion brewing. "Kyler, why don’t you go grab her a dictionary. I have a feeling she’s going to need it."

Kyler blinked, then huffed a small laugh. "Right. This way, Your Majesty."

He led her down one of the towering aisles, disappearing for a moment before returning with an enormous, leather-bound book that looked like it weighed more than she did.

"Here."

Hazel took it, nearly staggering under the weight before adjusting her grip. She flipped it open, scanning a few pages with growing interest.

It was very detailed, containing the literal meaning of several words.

"Hmm. This would be helpful. Thank you."

"No problem." He hesitated, then added, "Sorry again, by the way. For knocking you over."

"It’s alright, really," she said, then paused. "Actually, I should apologize too. I was in your way."

"No, no, it’s on me." He rubbed the back of his neck again, a habit, she was starting to notice. "I wasn’t paying attention."

She laughed awkwardly. "Well. We’re both sorry, then."

"I guess so."

Silence stretched between them, comfortable in some ways and painfully awkward in others. Kyler cleared his throat first.

"We should probably head back to the others."

"Right. Yes."

They started walking, and after a moment, Kyler spoke again, quieter this time. "I heard about what happened. With Rosie. At the celebration party."

Hazel flinched, nearly stumbling over her own feet. "How does everyone know about that?"

"The party was huge. The King of Lycans was getting married, of course everyone knows," Kyler said, shrugging apologetically. "And honestly? Our King isn’t exactly known for having much of a love life, I don’t think anyone’s ever seen him defend someone in public like that before. What he did was..." He trailed off, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Kind of romantic, actually."

Hazel blinked. "Oh."

"You okay?"

"Quite." She cleared her throat. "Are you a romantic, then?"

His smile widened, just slightly. "I am, actually."

She let out an awkward laugh, unsure how else to respond to that. To fill the silence, she blurted the first question that came to mind. "What’s the Moon’s Revolution, anyway? I’ve heard it mentioned but nobody’s ever actually explained it to me."

"Oh, right." Kyler nodded, falling easily into explanation mode. "It’s a cycle. Each generation, the Scorpio Alpha is required to marry a bride from a different celestial line. Last generation it was Aries. This generation, Gemini." He glanced at her. "Next generation, it’ll be Taurus. There’s a clear pattern, which I can show you if you want."

"Why does the Scorpio Alpha have to follow the Moon’s revolution?" she asked.

He shrugged. "Honestly, no idea. It started centuries ago. We’re all just kind of....used to it at this point."

"Hmm." Hazel turned the information over slowly. "The Moon’s Revolution. So that’s why he needed a bride from Tideclaw specifically. The Gemini line."

"Exactly."

"Hello!" Becky’s voice rang out ahead of them, hands on her hips as she waited by one of the reading tables. "So? What do you think? You like it here?"

Hazel found herself smiling. "Other than the stares and whispers, I think I do. I would love to have my education here."

"Me, Scarlett, and Imogen can show you around," Kyler offered immediately.

"It would be our honor," Scarlett added, beaming.

"I would like that," Hazel said, and she meant it.

Becky clapped her hands together. "So....you start now?"

Hazel blinked. "Now?"

"Why not?" Becky shrugged. "We’ll get you signed up, pick out a course you’ll actually enjoy. No time like the present."

Hazel hesitated, turning the thought over in her mind.

Anything that keeps me distracted from... everything else going on with Conan.

She nodded, another smile settling on her face.

"Sure," she said. "Let’s do it."