Ava's POV
Each word felt like claws scraping against my skin. I lowered my head slightly, exhaling slowly.
This wasn’t what I wanted. I hadn’t come here for this.
And yet… once again, I had dragged someone else into my war.
My wolf quieted in guilt.
Just then, a sharp cry cut through the air like a snapped bone.
“...Ow!”
Every wolf in the hall turned at once, attention snapping toward the source like a pack sensing blood.
“Oh no, Ms. Stone, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to bump into you.”
I blinked.
It was the woman in red.
Her scent was still laced with anger from our confrontation, but now it twisted with panic as she stood in front of Laura.
“It’s alright,” Laura said softly.
Her voice was gentle, almost melodic, like a lullaby meant to calm a restless beast.
She gave a smal
