🦋ALTHEA
Ivanna flinched. Ivanka's face went rigid with rage.
"You think you've won something," the older woman hissed, stepping closer. "You think because he's claimed you that you have power here. But you're nothing. A temporary distraction. A novelty that will fade the moment he remembers what he truly needs in a mate."
"And what's that?" I asked. "Someone who sees him as a prize to be won? Someone who loves the legend more than the man?"
"Someone worthy of standing beside an Alpha," Ivanka shot back. "Not some traumatized child playing at being Luna."
I could feel my control slipping, feel Zyra pushing against the boundaries of my skin. I forced myself to breathe, to remember why I'd come here.
"I'm not here to fight with you," I said, redirecting. "I'm here because whether you believe it or not, I don't want to see Ivanna hurt more than she already has been."
"How noble," Ivanka sneered. "The thief concerned about her victim."
