Lucian stood tall in the center, his commanding presence amplified by the weight of his words. “Apologize to Talia, Seraphina.”
His demand angered me. My chest tightened, my heart pounding in my ears. “Apologize?” I echoed, my voice trembling. “For what, Lucian? For standing up for myself? For defending our son? I’m your mate, yet you treat me like I’m nothing. Why can’t you see how much you’re hurting me?”
I looked at him, desperate for a flicker of warmth, a sign that he still cared. But his eyes were cold, distant, and unyielding. I wanted to laugh, I shouldn't have hope. This is already hopeless.
Talia stepped forward, her smirk slicing through the air like a blade. “Bark whatever you want to bark. But just to tell you, you’re nothing but a burden to him, Sera. Always whining, always seeking attention.”
The pack gasped at her audacity, but no one dared to intervene. The room was heavy with unspoken judgment.
Anger bubbled inside me, but before I could respond, Talia’s hand flew up against my cheek. The sharp sting radiated across my skin as gasps rippled through the room.