Althea turned and met Queen Mother Wilma’s furious glare. Before she could react, a loud smack rang through the atelier as Wilma’s hand hit her face.
Althea bit her lip, already sensing trouble from the Queen Mother’s thoughts. She didn’t dare read them fully because the woman’s mind was nothing but a storm of curses and cruel wishes.
Standing behind the Queen Mother was the same woman from last night, the one who had tried to attack her. A smug smile played on her lips. Althea recognized her at once—Lady Ava. She had seen her years ago during one of Ava’s visits to their pack. Back then, Althea had admired her for offering help during a calamity.
But now, she realized the truth. Lady Ava carried nothing but malice toward her.
“You dare step into this place without permission?” Wilma s
