Seraphina's POV
"I don't understand why she's here." Aurora's voice was syrupy sweet, but her eyes were cold as she stared at me across the dining table.
I set my fork down carefully, meeting her gaze. The lunch that had started awkwardly was quickly deteriorating into something much worse.
"Aurora," Valerius warned, his voice low.
She ignored him. "Brother, you know the Nightwings will come for her. They'll start a war over their precious little mate."
"I'm not their mate anymore," I said firmly. "I rejected the bond."
Aurora laughed, the sound sharp and brittle. "You think that matters? Those three don't give up what they consider theirs."
"That's enough," Valerius snapped.
"No, it's not," I countered, leaning forward. "I'd like to know why you hate me so much when we've only just met."
Aurora's smile turned predatory. "You want honesty? Fine. I think you're trouble. I think you're using my brother as a rebound. And I think—"
