Orion Nightwing's nostrils flared as he watched Lilith Thorne's eyes gleam with triumph across the dining table. Her smug smile made his stomach twist. She'd gotten what she wanted – to be their concubine – but her victory felt hollow to him now.
"Soon enough, I'll be your equal," Lilith purred at Seraphina.
Orion studied his mate's face, waiting for the explosion of hurt, the tears, the rage. But Seraphina's expression remained absolutely calm.
"A concubine is never equal to a Luna," she replied, her voice steady.
Something in her composure unsettled him. The Seraphina he'd known since her father's disgrace would have crumbled, would have fled in tears. This woman rose with dignity, helped her mother to her feet, and paused only to deliver her parting words to Lilith.
"You can be their plaything, Lilith. I'll be their legacy."
Orion's wolf stirred at those words. There was something in her tone – a finality that sent a chill down his spine.
