“I’ve already told you the truth—that wolf is my brother!” I shouted, struggling against the hands gripping my arms. “Give me back my communicator! This is outright theft. You’re slandering me—and violating my privacy!”
Before I could finish, Alaric’s hand lashed out.
The impact cracked against my cheek, sharp and blinding. Pain bloomed instantly, but I barely had time to register it before he lifted my communicator and slammed it viciously into the stone floor. The screen shattered on impact, fragments skittering across the ground like broken ice.
My cheek burned as I clutched it, fury roaring through my veins. I surged forward, ready to tear into him—but security wolves seized me again, locking my arms tight.
My reaction only fueled him further. His lips curled into a cold, vicious smile.
“Don’t put on that innocent act,” he said, voice dripping with contempt. “Do you honestly think you climbed that high without spreading your legs? And don’t insult me by claiming you did it for my sake—that’s revolting.”
I lifted my eyes to his, disappointment crashing over me like a tidal wave.
“Alaric,” I said hoarsely, “do you really need to degrade me like this?”
He gave a slow, mocking laugh. “Degrade you? You should be grateful I’m even wasting breath on you. Do you honestly think you deserve dignity?”
The weight in my chest grew unbearable—anger, humiliation, helplessness all twisting together.
“Fine,” I said through clenched teeth. “If you refuse to hear the truth, then let the enforcers handle it. We’ll see who’s truly filthy here—you, with your lies, or me, with the sins you invented.”
“The enforcers?” He stepped closer, eyes glinting with disdain. “You still think you have any leverage left?”
He sneered. “You might not care about your name, but I care about mine.”
Then his voice dropped, cruel and final. “Thank the moon we were never bonded. If you had become my mate, you would’ve been the greatest stain on my life.”
My gaze fell to the shattered communicator at my feet—and something inside me finally snapped.
“After everything you’ve done,” I said coldly, “you can forget about your ascension tomorrow, Alaric.”
The clearing erupted in laughter.
“Have you lost your mind?” Lilith clutched her stomach, laughing so hard she nearly doubled over.