Beta's POV
Martha’s words hung in the air..
Franco, my right-hand, stepped forward immediately. Anger burned in his eyes, a golden fire that matched mine, but somehow warmer, more impatient. He didn’t wait. He lunged at her, teeth bared, ready to strike.
“Franco!” I shouted, catching him by the shoulder. “Stop!”
He froze, his chest heaving. I let go and stepped forward, facing her. Mata’s eyes were sharp, cold, and unreadable, like ice.
“What are you doing here?” I asked, my voice, low but steady.
“You don’t know what you’re up against,” she said, her tone mocking. “You need me.”
I shook my head, my teeth clenched. “No. I don’t need you. I’m going to destroy you. You killed my dad, and now you want power? No. You’re going to pay. You’re going to pay for everything.”
I stepped back,
