But Winona, ever the manipulator, saw an opportunity in my defiance. She turned to Trent and said, “Trent, you always said Niana was a good person, but look at her now. She’s completely lost it. She’s acting like a rogue. If you really marry her, you’ll be the laughingstock of the pack and the neighboring packs as well.”
Trent’s expression hardened. His loyalty to Winona is evident in every line of his face. “Who dares to laugh at my woman?” he retorted; his tone icy. But I could see the doubt flickering in his eyes, the way Winona’s words started to sink in.
She gave him a sweet smile, but there was no mistake in her gaze. She had won, and she knew it.
Trent looked at me with disappointment. “Niana,” he began, his voice cold, “I can’t believe you’re making such a fuss over a grave. This is beyond ridiculous. If you apologize to Winona, maybe—just maybe—I’ll forgive you.”
I met his gaze, my heart heavy with a betrayal so deep it felt like a physical wound. “And if I refuse?” I asked, my voice trembling with the effort to keep my emotions in check.
His silence was answer enough.