Ava's POV
The slap rang in my ears long after it landed.
For a second, I couldn’t even move.
My wolf reeled, disoriented, a low, furious growl building somewhere deep in my chest. Pain burned across my cheek, sharp and humiliating, but it was the shock that held me still.
When I lifted my head, I saw them.
Magnus stood right in front of me, his hand still half-raised from the strike, his wolf radiating aggression like a challenge. Beatrice clung to his arm, her expression twisted with disgust.
Behind them were Lucas and Kingsley.
And off to the side, leaning against the wall like silent spectators, were Victor and Jasper.
Six wolves… twelve eyes, all locked on me with disgust, hatred, and indifference.
Like I was something rotten, something beneath them.
My wolf stilled. I tore m
