Lira’s POV
I blinked in pure disbelief, my heart pounding furiously in my chest.
Zane stood at the doorway, his face carved into a mask of fury and confusion, throwing those cruel, venom-laced words at Alera like she was nothing.
I couldn't believe what I was hearing.
"The King confirmed it," Zane spat, as if the words burned his tongue. "He confirmed you're his mate. But that doesn't mean you're fit to be."
I felt Alera stiffen beside me, her body coiling with silent hurt.
"You'll never compare," Zane continued, his voice sharp and merciless. "You think you could ever be like his sister was to him? Perfect. Loyal. Untouchable. You think Kael would ever truly—?"
"That's enough!" I snapped, cutting across the room like a blade unsheathed.
The way Alera's eyes glistened — the way she
