Before I could step closer, attendants rolled out the other five gowns. My other dresses, my life’s work, were hung carelessly on wooden racks, no reverence, no protection.
“All six gowns are gifts to Lady Gwyneth Greywind from Alpha Gareth,” the Beta continued.
“Who says Lady Freya should know her place and not interfere with the innocent Lady Gwyneth?”
The pack stared at me like I was a wolf trapped in a snare. Gwyneth looked around, wide-eyed, pretending innocence.
“Lady Freya … please don’t be mad. I never wanted to steal your spotlight. I’m sorry…”
I wanted to scream. I wanted to tear everything apart. Cry until my heart broke.
Gareth stood behind me, silent, watching. His eyes were cold, like a judge delivering punishment. He didn’t need words. He looked at me like I deserved this humiliation.
Public. Precise.
A lesson for daring to defy him.
I bit my tongue until I tasted blood. When the ceremony ended, all my dresses were gone. My tribute to my mother stolen. My name was erased.
I didn’t watch Gareth leaning toward Gwyneth with admiration. I didn’t watch Gwyneth’s sly smile.