IRENE'S POV
I stood to the side, observing the scene as Leon defended me, and I felt a deep, unexpected sense of surprise. In the past, whenever I found myself in situations like this, Miles would always find a way to blame me. It didn’t matter if I was in the right—if I tried to defend myself, I would be accused of pettiness or a lack of forgiveness.
As Luna, I was expected to rise above it all, to be magnanimous and turn the other cheek. But watching Leon now, standing up for me without hesitation, it was a revelation. I had never truly considered the idea that I could—and should—defend my own rights. A warmth spread through my heart as I realized how different Leon was from Miles.
Laura’s face turned pale when she realized what had just happened. The reality of her situation began to
