Ava's POV
The sound of the slap still rang in my ears as I stumbled back, my balance slipping.
My wolf reeled with me, disoriented and furious.
I reached out blindly, fingers catching the edge of the nearest table to steady myself, but instead, I knocked something over.
Crash. A vase hit the floor.
Water spilled everywhere, cold and sudden, soaking through my gown, seeping into my shoes. The silver fringe clung to my body, heavy and ruined, dragging me down like wet fur after a bad shift.
I looked down at myself. I looked pathetic and weak. My wolf snarled in my chest, humiliated.
“Tsk… look at you.” The woman in red clicked her tongue, her lips curling with cruel amusement. Her scent spiked with hostility. She looked like a wolf looking for someone weaker to tear apart.
“How dare
