Soraya's POV
Lila straightened, masking her frustration behind a tight smile. "Everything's fine," she said curtly.
Thorne gave a small nod, though the look he cast me said he wasn't convinced. "Good," he replied evenly. "The Alpha requests everyone take their seats."
Lila turned to me, her mask of poise sliding effortlessly back into place. "Saved by the summons," she murmured with a smirk as she smoothed her gown. Then her eyes flicked over me—cold and sharp. "Try to keep that temper in check. You wouldn't want the court to see the real you… a scentless wolf pretending to belong."
The words stung, slicing deeper than I wanted to admit. But I didn't flinch. Not this time. I just met her gaze in silence until she looked away, scoffing under her breath before turning and walking off, her gown whispering across the marble floor.
Asha stepped closer, her presence soft but reassuring. "Come on, my lady," she said gently. "Let's not keep him waiting."
