Richard's gaze flickered between his mate and the unveiled woman, his expression hardening by the second. "You think bringing her here will make us trust you, Jackson?" His voice was low, dangerous. "You've made your point, but Elara is not welcome here."
Elara's violet eyes locked onto Richard, her face unreadable, though there was a flicker of something—perhaps regret, perhaps defiance. "I'm not here for your approval, Alpha Richard. I'm here to do what needs to be done." Her voice was steady, almost calm, but beneath that calm exterior lay a history filled with betrayal, secrets, and unresolved anger.
Liana took a step forward, her fury barely contained. "What needs to be done?" she repeated, her voice rising. "You think you can just walk in here and protect his daughter after everything you've done? After you left us?"
Elara turned to face her fully, her expression softening, though it was still guarded. "Liana, you don't understand—"
