"Everyone, tonight I'd like to introduce two very important women."Kane stood in the center of the gala, his suit perfect, his smile flawless.All eyes were on him.I stood in a dark corner, wearing the black evening gown he'd commanded me to wear.It exposed the dark, web-like veins the wolfsbane had left on my arms—a mark of shame."First, this is Fiona," Kane said, pulling her to his side. "The sister I've sworn to protect, my treasure, my—""Pride," Fiona finished for him, lowering her head shyly.Tonight, she was wearing my white gown.Yes, the one I had planned to wear.Thunderous applause.I saw the tenderness in Kane’s eyes, a light I had never seen before.In ten years, he had never looked at me that way."And this," his voice turned cold, formal, "is Elara. My... associate. And our pack's head healer."The word hung in the air, a public demotion. A slap in the face.The applause died.I managed a smile and raised my glass to everyone.All the while, the shard of crystal in m
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