The silence that followed Nadia’s declaration was intense. Estelle’s anxiety rising quickly. 

"Stubborn," Estelle whispered, her voice cracking. "You are so incredibly stubborn, Nadia. Do youhave any ounce of consideration for me? Do you not worry about yourself? Are you begging for aclass suicide? Because that is what this is." 

Nadia didn't flinch. "It’s called dignity, Mom." 

"Dignity would not feed us if we become rogues!" Estelle snapped, her voice rising to a frantic pitch. She stood up, her hands trembling as she gestured to the thin, rotting walls of their home. "If AlphaEdward casts us out, if he strips what little protection we have left and marks us as...