Chapter 20: A Mother's Rejection
(Amelia's POV)
The atmosphere inside the Winters Manor was worse than I had anticipated. The air was cold and heavy as though the walls themselves mirrored Margaret's icy demeanor.
I sat stiffly on the edge of a velvety settee in the drawing room, clutching the folds of my ceremonial robes. Alexander stood beside me, tall and unshaken, exuding his usual dominance and calm. His scent of cedar and mint drifted toward me, nudging Cora, my wolf, into comfort. Yet even my wolf couldn’t soothe me as the moments dragged painfully on.
Every small noise—the clock ticking, the distant hum of activity—hammered into my nerves. Each second felt eternal.
Alexander noticed my fidgeting. Without a word, his large hand rested lightly against my shoulder. The touch
