Fenris stood speechless, unease flickering in his eyes. He took an involuntary half-step back, his retort forced and lacking its earlier conviction: "I... of course I claimed you because I wanted you as my mate! If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have given Selene the time of day!"
He paused, as though struck by an idea for how to make amends. His tone softened slightly, though it still carried an air of Alpha condescension: "I know you've been wronged. I've already contacted the Pack Enforcers to have your claim withdrawn—it's handled. Just focus on recovering. Once you're better, I'll give you a grand mating ceremony. Consider it my way of making it up to you."
As he spoke, his chin lifted slightly, his eyes gleaming with self-satisfaction—as though this ceremony were some magnificent gift, enough to erase all his betrayals and cruelties, enough to make her weep with gratitude and bare her throat in submission.
Lyra looked at him, and her stomach turned. The last fragile thread connecting her to their intended bond snapped and crumbled to ash.