Elara's POV
I stared at him.
"Let's say this was all a misunderstanding, Alpha Orion. What exactly did she lose? Her life? Her dignity? Anything at all?"
I held his gaze.
"So why am I the one who has to kneel and apologize?"
Orion's expression didn't change.
"You made her worry. That's enough."
His grip tightened around my arm.
"Kneel."
It was almost laughable.
But if this was what it took to end this, I would do it.
"Fine. I'll kneel. But answer me first."
I glanced at Celeste, then back at him.
"Once I do, are we done? Will you take your lover and your Gammas and get out of my daughter's operating room?"
Something flickered across his face, tight and displeased.
"Kneel first."
"No promise, no kneeling."
My voice didn't shake.
"I just want to be done with you and Celeste
