As soon as Talia's footsteps faded into the hallway, Lucien turned sharply to face the woman still seated at the table, her legs crossed, sipping from her wineglass as if nothing had just happened.

“Lily,” he said, his voice low but commanding.

She arched a brow. “Yes, Alpha?”

“Don’t do that again.”

Lily leaned back lazily in her seat. “Do what again? Be myself?”

Lucien’s expression didn’t waver. “You disrespected Talia. She’s part of this household. And tonight wasn’t about you.”

Damon looked between them, suddenly tense. “Guys—”

“No, Damon,” Lucien cut in. “She needs to hear this.”

Lily sighed and placed her glass down with a delicate *clink*. “I...