"I have a wolf. I awakened it after Radulf marked me," Melissa announced with a bright and fake smile.
The pavilion fell into a stunned silence. All the eyes turned to her in disbelief. Nina, seated nearby, furrowed her brows. She doubted Melissa's claim, as she knew Melissa hadn't awakened her wolf. Still, she chose to stay quiet, observing the scene unfold.
"Don't lie, Melissa. You're wolf-less," Aria stated bluntly, her skepticism evident in her tone.
Melissa's expression remained composed as she murmured, "What would I gain from lying to Princess Aria?" She lifted the teacup from its saucer, gently blew on the steaming surface, and took a deliberate sip, exuding an air of calm.
"Then you must join us for a run," Aria challenged, her tone daring Melissa to prove her claim.
