Just as Thorne was about to speak, Morgana interjected, her voice dripping with faux distress. "Alpha, I’m feeling dizzy again, and my cheeks are throbbing. Can you check if they’re swollen?"
Thorne’s gaze shifted immediately to her, his concern palpable. Morgana, seizing the opportunity, collapsed into his arms with an exaggerated sigh. The handprint I had left on her pale cheek was a stark reminder of the fury I felt.
Tears welled up in Morgana’s eyes as the Alpha gently wiped them away, his touch tender and familiar. I remembered when he had shown me such kindness. In our younger days, he would have helped me up if I fell and comforted me in a similar way. Now, those gestures of affection felt like a distant memory.
His expression had hardened, replaced with a chilling coldness. "Aria, apologize to your sister."
I lifted my chin, meeting his gaze with unwavering resolve. "No."
Thorne was visibly taken aback by my defiance. In the past, when he had held contempt for me, I had been careful in his presence, trying desperately to win his approval. Despite my genuine affection for him, it had always seemed insufficient, overshadowed by Morgana’s presence.