"You need to understand something," Livia said as they turned away from the now-quiet entry. Her tone was clipped, her hand brushing against Serena's arm once more. "This is not a gathering of friends. This is a court of purpose, one filled with people who want to push their own agenda, and we are players in it."
Serena said nothing. Her fingers tightened around the edge of her sleeve, and she focused on the gentle scrape of her shoes against the stone path as they walked.
"You are not just anyone here," Livia added, softer now. "You represent Crimsonclaw. You were chosen for more than charm or pleasantries. So act like it, at this point you are acting like a pup that is allowed the taste of meat for the first time."
Serena exhaled slowly, her jaw tense. "I understand."
Livia cast her a side-glance, her eyes narrowing. "Do you?"
Serena didn't respond again. She kept her expression neutral, gaze forward, and followed the shorter woman inside the Keep.
