Before Lavender could react, Fern shoved her hard from behind. She stumbled, her feet slipping on the wet stones, and fell into the fountain. The cold water shocked her system, but the humiliation burned hotter.
Fern laughed. “Oops,” she said mockingly, crossing her arms. “Careful, Luna. Don’t slip.”
Lavender stood slowly, water dripping from her hair and clothes, her wolf roaring with fury. She stepped out of the fountain, her anger radiating off her in waves. “You really don't want to stop, do you, Fern?" Lavender growled.
Fern rolled her eyes, but before she could speak, Lavender’s hand snapped out. The sound of the slap echoed through the garden. The girls behind them gasped in shock as Fern stumbled back, a red mark already forming on her cheek.
The smugness vanished from Fern’s face, replaced by shock and rage. But before Fern could utter another word, Cedar's voice pierced the atmosphere with a sharp edge.
“What the hell is going on here?”
Lavender turned to see him striding toward them, his eyes wide with confusion and anger. Fern immediately crumpled, tears spilling down her cheeks as she clutched her stomach.