SCARLET OMEGA’S POV
I had never associated fighting with strength.
To me, it had always meant punishment.
It was my father forcing me to stand after every blow because "a weak wolf doesn't deserve the ground."
It was Elena smiling while bruises blossomed beneath my skin, delighted that I still hadn't learned my place.
It was Liam stepping between me and a crowd only once—not because he wanted to protect me, but because my swollen face would have embarrassed him at an Alpha gathering.
I swallowed hard and curled my fingers into my palms until my nails bit into my skin.
That was then.
This is now.
"Scarlet."
Lina's voice pulled me back.
I turned to find her watching me with quiet concern.
"You disappeared for a second."
"I was just thinking."
"That's dangerous before combat."
