Harley’s P.O.V.

The porcelain cup in my hands trembled ever so slightly at that sharp voice, almost slipping away. My stomach twisted. That question felt like a trap, a stone cast on still water to watch how wide the ripples spread. I hadn’t expected that my past would be the topic of discussion in the middle of this ritual.

I gripped my cup tighter as the silence in the room pressed in, heavy and expectant. But before I could even attempt to answer, Freya’s voice cut in, firm and clipped.

“Harley is becoming part of the Layonx family for the first time. Shouldn't we feel honored to welcome her properly,...