For a moment, silence hung in the air at Raymond's words. Mauve’s eyes widened, and for a split second, there was hurt—a flicker of vulnerability that quickly dissolved into something far more sinister.

Mauve’s lips curled into a chilling smile, and then she began to laugh, low and mocking. “Well, well,” she drawled, crossing her arms and tilting her head. “Finally, the great Alpha-elect grows a spine. I’ll admit, I didn’t see this coming.”

Raymond’s jaw tightened, but he refused to be baited. He turned on his heel, but Mauve’s voice stopped him.

“Wait!” she called out, her tone dripping with venom. “Now you’re free to go running back to...