Chapter 16

IRENE'S POV The day of the exhibition had finally arrived, and with it came a mix of emotions and excitement that buzzed through me like electricity. This was my first public appearance since my departure from Miles' pack—my first time revealing myself not just as Irene, the former Luna, but as Irene, the artist. The gallery was already filling with people when I arrived, and I took a moment to steady my breath before stepping out of the car. The venue was stunning, with high ceilings and polished floors that gleamed under the soft lighting. My photographs were displayed along the walls, each piece carefully curated to tell a story—a story of strength, of vulnerability, of survival. As I walked through the space, I noticed the way people paused in front of each image, captivated by the emotions I had poured into my work. It wasn’t long before the media began to swarm. Cameras flashed, and journalists thrust microphones toward me, each vying for a quote or a moment of my time. But I was