ZARIA'S POV
Cassian stepped back from the bed, his expression returning to that unreadable, calm respect. "I am waiting for an answer."
"An answer to what?"
"Are you ready to stop hiding behind your fear, Zaria?"
"I wasn't hiding," I snapped, sitting up straighter against the pillows, ignoring the sharp ache in my ribs.
"If I hadn't stepped into that yard, Tanya would have crushed your hands. Your father discarded you without a second thought. Your mate betrayed you for a taste of power. Your sister poured poison down your throat and wants you dead. You have no wolf, no pack, and no home to return to. Everyone out there sees you as nothing more than easy prey."
Every single word he spoke felt like a physical blow, a harsh reminder of the absolute nothingness I was left with. "Why a
