Raven’s POV
I whirled around to face Morgana, who was smirking like she owned the world.
“What do you want?” I growled, baring my teeth.
Her announcement of pregnancy didn’t faze me. Eleven years of watching Alaric’s betrayals had taught me one thing: I couldn’t trust him—or anyone connected to him. Expect the unexpected.
“I came to apologize,” Morgana said, her voice dripping with false innocence, “but I wonder… what if everyone found out you’ve been tormenting me all this time?”
I snorted. “I have no interest in tormenting you, and your apology is worthless to me.”
I bent down to pick up my suitcase and resumed packing, but Morgana wasn’t done.
With a wicked grin, she hurled my bedside lamp to the floor.
“What are you doing?” I demanded, my wolf instincts bristling.
“Watch and learn,” she said with a devilish laugh.
Then she collapsed deliberately, pressing her hands over the jagged shards.
“What the—?” I exclaimed, taken aback.
“I’m sorry, Raven,” she cried, loud enough for the whole house to hear. “It’s my fault. Hurt me if you must, but please… don’t leave the children!”
“What is wrong with you?” I hissed.
The door suddenly burst open, and Alaric stormed in, the twins trailing behind. His eyes flared crimson when he saw Morgana on the floor, bleeding.
“How could you, Raven? She’s sick! Have you no compassion?” he growled.
“I didn’t touch her,” I said evenly.
“Stop yelling at her! It’s not her fault!” Morgana sobbed.
The twins bared their teeth. “How dare you harm our new mommy? Haven’t we taught you enough?”
“Why don’t you leave already?”
Their words barely made me flinch. I kept stuffing my clothes into the suitcase.
“I’m leaving,” I said coolly.
Alaric lunged, grabbing me before I could pull away. With a forceful shove, he pressed me into the cramped storage closet.
“Stay here until you understand the errors of your ways!” he snarled.
“Let me out!” I screamed, pounding the door, but he had already locked it. Tears ran down my cheeks.
Alaric knew I hated confined spaces. How dare he trap me like an animal.
I forced my heart to slow. Crying would do nothing. None of them deserved my tears—or my love.
I huddled in the corner, surveying the tiny room. Nothing could help me escape.
Evening fell, and a soft knock echoed from the door. I scrambled forward, yanking at the handle.
“Is anyone there? Please! Unlock this door!” I called desperately.
Silence answered at first, then Morgana’s mocking voice rang out.
“Oh, sweet Raven, locked up just where you belong,” she taunted.
I sighed. “What do you want? Are you done performing your little show?”
“Not yet,” she giggled. “I didn’t know Alaric could love someone so much that he’d lock you away, even knowing it’s your greatest fear.”
I ground my teeth, refusing to give her the satisfaction of seeing me break.
“If you have nothing of substance to say, then leave,” I snapped.
“Oh, darling, I’m just getting started. But for now… I’ll let you stew,” she purred, her footsteps retreating.
I exhaled, relieved. Darkness finally cloaked the room. I glanced at my hair, noting the small hairpin still holding it in place.
“Better than nothing,” I muttered.
Seconds later, I was still trapped, unable to unlock the door. Then I heard voices outside—two familiar, wolfish voices.
“Let’s teach her a lesson,” Ian hissed.
“Yes!” Rylan cackled.
Before I could react, screams tore from my throat as the floor beneath me seemed alive with crawling spiders and buzzing bees. They’d shoved a beehive through the small back window.
The spiders bit, the bees stung, and I cried out helplessly.
“Somebody! Help me!!” I banged on the door frantically.
No one answered—only the boys’ cruel laughter.
“Don’t try to mess with us next time,” they teased.
My right eye swelled, but I forced myself to work faster at the lock, ignoring the relentless stings.
Finally, the door gave way, and I bolted into the courtyard, screaming.
The twins glared, teeth bared, and claws extended.
“You never learn, do you?” Rylan snarled.
“I think it’s best you never return,” Ian growled.
They shoved me, and I stumbled, falling into the pool.
“I can’t swim! Stop!” I cried, struggling against the cold water.
But they didn’t listen. I saw them reach into their bag—and my heart froze.
Each of them held a pistol, aimed straight at me.
“Where did you get—” I began.
Ian’s eyes blazed with fury. “You vile she-wolf. Do you think running away will earn our attention? How disgusting!”
“You should die here and now, to apologize to my dead mother!” Rylan spat, his expression twisted.
In perfect unison, they raised their weapons and fired.
The bullets tore through the air, racing straight for my heart.
