“Then why did you send a warrior to bring me here under the pretense of his name?”
Her smirk widened. “Because I wanted to remind you who holds the real power here. You’re just a figurehead, Lilian. I’m the one everyone listens to. And soon, you will be nothing.”
I raised an unimpressed brow. “Is that all? Or do you have something new to share?”
For a moment, surprise flickered in her eyes, but she quickly masked it with her practiced smile. “Actually, yes. Mason wanted me to tell you that the mating anniversary celebration…”
I stilled, every nerve in my body on edge.
“… won’t be happening here in the pack.”
The words hit me like a punch to the gut. I froze. I knew that Mason would celebrate our anniversary even though this year it would be a mockery to me but it hadn’t mattered because I needed the chaos that would come with the celebration.
Everything I had planned hinged on that celebration taking place and it happening. Without it, my escape—my freedom—would be impossible.
Claire’s eyes gleamed like she could sense my turmoil. She took a step closer, her voice dropping to a venomous whisper.
“And one more thing, Lilian…”