I let out a cold laugh. "Apologize to her? You think either of you are worthy of that?"
Celeste sighed. "If that's how you want it, I can't help you." She shot Nana Ashwick a look. The old woman lunged forward and struck me hard across the face.
The sting bloomed hot and instant. Around us, the air changed. I could feel the gathered wolves draw back half a step, could smell the sharp spike of shock cutting through the crowd like iron through still water.
"Forgive me, my Luna. This old servant is petty by nature. You don't beat the dog without checking who its master is. Since you hit me first, it's only fair I return the favor."
Celeste nodded. "Nana raised me from infancy. She is like a mother to me. For your lady to strike her is the same as insulting my elder. She took a slap from your mistress, so now they're even. When the heir returns, we'll call the matter settled."
Nana Ashwick spat on the ground. "You were so pleased with yourself a moment ago, weren't you? Humiliating my lady like that. Now you'll kneel and bare your throat to her, and welcome her into the estate with proper respect. From now on, you'll be sisters, nothing more."