TORN BETWEEN THE THREE

pte

a in the

a's

sed a sp

owly, I lifted my head to meet Mira's glare. She was the h

ttered under my breath, my knees aching from

til it does," Mira snap

d my gaze, dragging the stiff bristles

, mocking me. I knew exactly which cleaning solution would erase it in s

. "Born in the dirt, and you'll die i

ears. I was supposed to be used to this by now. It's been years

hing in this pack. But me? I w

eel down hard on my free hand. Pain jolted up my arm, a

e hurting me!" I cried, tr

until my knuckles felt like they might sha

ain, the humiliation burning hot

er and music, preparations for the celebration were

tter have that stain gone before the Alpha's guests ar

, isn't it?" Mira said, pres

t up my arm. Tears slipped down m

y gripped my chin, for

were born on the same day as her, ye

ck of her hand, as though t

a, or anything close to her. I didn't envy her or anything. Ly

er, brush in my hand, knees aching. She was adorned

ad accepted it a long time ago. But ac

when I woke, I

across my knuckles from where her heel had dug in. I

me. I'll scrub the floors. Jus

h churn. "My foot is on one hand. Your other hand

voice broke, and

hat rub

ut through the air d

blurred gaze landing on th

as L

er dress flowing around her like water. The moment Mira saw he

pain throbbed all the way to my elbow,

y level, her gown

warm eyes scanning my injury before

quickly, though m

rdened. "What is wrong with you? How many times

orry, Lady Lyra. She was just being sluggi

th displeasure. "Get lost. Go do something els

line. As she turned to leave, she shot me a glare

ooked at Lyra. "Y

"Why do you let them treat you

ight I had in this cold place, the one person who

given me a place to sleep, even if tha

ded. She shone like gold; I was

w me back to the present

r hand steady at my elbow. But ha

r, as if an invisible thread had just tied itself a

ned, but her voic

ead buzzed, heat blooming under my skin, flooding

erned voice came ag

caught in my throat as the heat spread deeper, mingl