“Say whatever you want!” I snapped suddenly, silencing them. “These brats—”
“That’s enough, Raven!” Alaric roared.
I saw his hand coming. I refused to let it land.
I caught his wrist mid‑air and struck him twice across the face. His sharp gasp echoed through the hall.
“Go rot in hell, Alaric,” I hissed.
Without waiting for another word, I stormed out, tears blurring my vision. I didn’t stop walking—I knew if I did, I’d collapse.
When I reached my room, the emptiness hit me full force. For ten long years, I had waited for the twins to love me. Now I knew—there was nothing left for me in this pack.
I grabbed my suitcase and began stuffing my clothes inside.
Moments later, the door flew open. Alaric barged in, his eyes glowing red with rage.
“What madness has possessed you?” he growled.
I ignored him, tossing my shoes into the case. Suddenly, he seized the suitcase and flung it across the room, scattering everything.
“Now you’re listening,” he snarled.
I laughed bitterly. “Keep it. I don’t want anything from this place anymore. Everything here is tainted.”
“Enough!” he shouted, gripping my shoulders and shaking me hard.
“Touch me again and I’ll break your fingers,” I warned coldly.
He froze, staring at me in shock. “What’s happened to you, Raven? This isn’t you.”
“Not me?” I scoffed. “You loved it when I obeyed every word you said. Now that I’m done being silent, suddenly I’m the problem?”
“Calm down so I can explain,” he snapped.
I knew another lie was coming—but this time, I wouldn’t stop him.
“Go on,” I said flatly.
Alaric exhaled. “Morgana is ill. She has a human disease—cancer.”
I showed no reaction.
“She only has a few years left. She devoted herself to the twins. They begged me to make her their mother for the time she has left, so she can pass peacefully.”
I burst out laughing when he finished.
“You’ve really improved your lies,” I said mockingly.
“It’s true,” he insisted. “Just two years.”
“Two years,” I repeated. “And after that, you’ll finally mate with me, right?”
“Yes,” he said quickly. “Everything’s already planned.”
I looked at him calmly. “So what do you want from me now?”
He smiled, kissing my cheeks. “This is why I love you. I need you to take care of the twins while I take Morgana abroad for her treatment.”
I nodded and smiled brightly. “Alright.”
He kissed my forehead. “I’ll send Morgana over. You can apologize to each other.”