Beatrice, Felix’s lover, stood close by, her expression a mix of smug satisfaction and concealed malice. She was basking in the victory, her laughter a harsh, grating sound to Sophia’s ears. With a contemptuous glance, Beatrice made disparaging remarks about Sophia, hinting at her own desires to replace Sophia as Matthew’s mother. Her comments were not lost on the pack members, who exchanged knowing glances and whispered their agreement.
As the celebration continued, Felix’s attention remained focused on the festivities, his indifference to Sophia’s suffering palpable. When she finally mustered the courage to confront him, her voice was hoarse and broken. “Felix, we need to talk. Matthew—”
“Not now, Sophia,” Felix interrupted sharply, his tone devoid of empathy. “Can’t you see we’re celebrating? This is no time for your dramatics.”
Sophia’s heart ached at his dismissal. “You don’t understand. Matthew is… Matthew is—”
“Enough,” Felix cut her off with irritation. “I’ve had enough of your pity parties. You’re ruining this for everyone.”
Beatrice seized the opportunity to escalate the situation. With a scornful smirk, she stepped forward and addressed the crowd. “It’s clear that Sophia’s emotional outbursts are nothing but an attempt to draw attention away from our victory. She’s hiding Matthew to spite the pack, to make us all suffer alongside her.”
The crowd’s mood shifted, their once-joyous expressions darkening as they turned their gaze toward Sophia. Murmurs of agreement spread among the pack members, fueled by Beatrice’s insinuations. Elder Hannah and Lily, another elder who had joined the fray, added their voices to the chorus of condemnation.
“Sophia’s failures have cost us dearly,” Hannah declared, her voice dripping with disdain. “If she had been more concerned with the pack’s welfare rather than her personal grief, we wouldn’t be in this situation.”
“And what of Beatrice?” Lily added sharply. “She’s shown more dedication to the pack than Sophia ever did. Perhaps it’s time for a change.”
Sophia’s heart felt like it was being ripped apart by the harsh judgments and unfeeling remarks. She stood defiant, her anger igniting a fire that matched the one blazing in the center of the clearing. “I have sacrificed everything for this pack. Matthew’s life was in danger, and you think I should just—”