VERA’S POV

My heels clicked against the marble floor, but my steps lacked their usual confidence. My face that once carried a bright smile with confidence was now pale. My jaw clenched. The sting of Ryker’s rejection still echoed in my bones. In front of the Alphas. In front of the council. Like she was nothing.

Her crown meant nothing now.

“Vera!” Lola’s voice was a whisper-shout as she and Amara rushed to her side. “Are you okay?”

“Did you see the way—“ My breath ...