The rites soon ended with the final chant of blessing. The mournful silence broke as people began to rise, some stepping forward to pay respects, others turning to greet one another.
Ayesha stayed close to Lyra, trying not to draw attention, but it was impossible. Every move she made felt heavy under so many eyes. She hoped to slip away quietly with Alaric, but before she could, a sharp, familiar voice cut through the crowd.
"Well, well… if it isn't Crimson Howl's little omega," Luciana sneered, her lips curled into a cruel smile. She walked forward with deliberate steps, her eyes glinting with malice. "What is Ronan's slut doing here—standing beside the Alpha King, no less?"
The words fell like stones, loud enough for everyone to hear.
Gasps rippled through the gathering. Whispers spread quickly among the guests, the words omega and slut echoing like daggers thrown across the hall.
