Ava's POV
Memories flashed like claws across old wounds.
I smiled coldly. “I remember exactly what you called me.”
Their faces changed, laced with shock and fear.
“You all told me I was a jinx,” I said. “A curse on this bloodline.”
I stepped closer, and Beatrice actually retreated.
“Have you forgotten? You told me I was not your daughter. You said Evelyn was the only one you would acknowledge. You said I was nothing!”
Good.
My eyes burned gold with rage.
“You!” Beatrice’s face drained of all color, her fury so sharp it felt like claws scraping against my skin. Even her wolf flickered weakly in her scent. She gasped for breath, her chest heaving like she had just run a hunt she could not finish.
“Ava!” Lucas finally snapped, his voice bristling with hostility. He caught Beatrice b
