My sister looked at Thorne with a conflicted expression. "Alpha, I’ve hurt Aria. What should we do now?"

However, Thorne’s response was cold and dismissive. "She deserves it. You’re too kind, worrying about her even though she hurt you first."

The guards finally released me, and I collapsed awkwardly to the floor. Thorne’s gaze remained unwavering as he looked down at me. "You owe Morgana an apology."

Owe her an apology? It was Morgana who had belittled my son! She claimed my baby was lying! Cassian would never be a liar! Yet this good-for-nothing Alpha always took her side, no matter the circumstances.

I glared up at him, my voice thick with bitterness. "In your dreams!"

"I hate you, Alpha!" I shouted.

As I stared at Alpha Thorne, my eyes were devoid of any trace of affection, replaced instead by a deep, seething hatred. His brow furrowed in response, clearly unsettled by the intensity of my gaze.

"Aria," he said, his voice attempting a note of reason, "just do as you're told, and you can have whatever you want. We can celebrate your son's birthday, just as you wanted."

The words felt hollow and mocking. What was the point of such a celebration now that Cassian was gone? My mate had already made his choice clear, prioritizing Morgana over our son. The entire pack knew it—Thorne had always preferred my sister's company at banquets and public appearances, leaving me isolated and disrespected as Luna of Silverclaw.

Now, with Cassian’s death, he was using the promise of a celebration as a tool to manipulate and coerce me. It was a sickening attempt to lure me back into submission, exploiting my grief for his own convenience.

I fought to keep the pain from showing on my face as I met his gaze. "No need, Alpha. We’re done. I’m leaving this hellhole, just as you’ve always wanted. Enjoy your dream life with Morgana."

It seemed my departure was beyond Thorne’s comprehension. His sneer betrayed his disbelief. "What? Not coming to me, pretending you need me to play with your son anymore?"

His tone was dripping with scorn, a fact not lost on me. Before I could respond, Morgana interjected, her voice laden with feigned innocence. "Aria, stop deceiving our Alpha. If Cassian were really dying, why would you be here alone?"

I could no longer contain my fury. "Shut up! You have no right to speak of my son."