His expression had hardened, replaced with a chilling coldness. "Aria, apologize to your sister."
I lifted my chin, meeting his gaze with unwavering resolve. "No."
Thorne was visibly taken aback by my defiance. In the past, when he had held contempt for me, I had been careful in his presence, trying desperately to win his approval. Despite my genuine affection for him, it had always seemed insufficient, overshadowed by Morgana’s presence.
Looking back, Morgana’s animosity towards me was no secret. From our childhood, she had resented me for being the more capable one, a feeling that only intensified when I received the Moonstone, an heirloom she had long wanted.
When she discovered my growing affection for Alpha Thorne, she started showing him affection as well, but I had never anticipated her return to Silverclaw to disrupt my life further after her fated mate’s death.
Thorne was only surprised by a few seconds and he settled back on the couch, still cradling my sister. His voice cut through the tension. "Aria, don’t make me angrier."
The wolf guards, summoned by Thorne’s mind link, appeared and stopped me from going. They escorted me back to face Thorne and Morgana, their presence imposing and cold.
Thorne lounged on the couch, his posture relaxed, but the air was thick with tension. He looked at me with an almost casual disinterest. "Apologize to Morgana."
Morgana’s smile was a mixture of triumph and challenge. She turned to my mate, her voice soft and placating. "It’s alright, Alpha. Aria didn’t mean it."
Upon hearing that, Thorne looked at her with pity. "You’re too soft-hearted. Even though you’ve always been kind to her, she’s never seen you as her sister."
His gaze turned icy as he addressed me. "Anyone who hurts Morgana will pay the price."
Thorne’s intention was clear: he wanted to make me suffer. He signaled to the guards, who moved to force me into a kneeling position. As I lowered my head, Thorne’s lips curled into a satisfied smirk. Meanwhile, one of the guards stepped forward, hand raised, ready to strike.
Morgana, however, intervened. "Alpha, she’s still my sister. I’m afraid the guards might hurt her too much. If anyone should teach her a lesson, it should be me."
At that moment, Thorne nodded in approval. That was when Morgana raised her hand and slapped me twice, her nails leaving sharp, painful marks on my cheek.