章節 23: CHAPTER 22

CHLOERENDIA

The cool morning air felt sharp against my skin, but it was nothing compared to the heat boiling in my chest. I squared off with Eirlys, my sparring partner, but today… today, I wanted more than just a friendly bout. I needed to unleash this storm inside me.

Eirlys grinned, playful as ever, as she shifted into a low stance. "Ready to get your ass kicked, Chloe?"

Normally, I'd throw some banter back at her, but today? No. Today wasn't normal. My mind was still burning with the memory of yesterday—the sting of my father's words seared into me like a scar.

I thought this time would be different. When he told me I'd be accompanying him to the conference with the other pack leaders, I believed, for the first time, he saw me as his equal. Maybe I'd finally proven myself. But then… he'd left me in the carriage.