Liana’s fists trembled at her sides, her pride and fury bubbling over as Gareth’s mocking laughter filled the room. The sound was sharp, cruel, and it cut through her like a blade. She had never been spoken to with such disrespect—especially not by someone like Gareth. Her lips curled into a snarl.
“Luna?” Gareth repeated, his tone dripping with derision. “Ex-Luna, you mean.”
The words struck like a physical blow, and Liana’s anger flared tenfold. Her vision blurred with rage as she raised her fist in the air, ready to lash out and reclaim a shred of her dignity. But before she could strike, Gareth’s hand shot out, grabbing her wrist with a grip that made her wince.
“Don’t,” Gareth warned, his voice low and dangerous. His eyes burned with cold amusement as he stared her down. “You’re already pathetic. Don’t make it worse.”
Liana struggled against his hold, her breaths coming in short, furious bursts. “You bastard!” she hissed, wrenching her arm free. “You dare speak to me like that? I’m still the Luna, and you—”
“Still clinging to that title?” Gareth interrupted with a scoff, his smirk widening. “How delusional can you be? You’ve been cast aside, Liana. You’re no Luna—just a discarded pawn in someone else’s game.”
The insult struck deeper than Liana cared to admit. Her eyes blazed with defiance as she lunged forward, attempting to shove him, but Gareth barely budged. Instead, he pushed her back with a single, dismissive motion, sending her sprawling onto the floor.
“You’re insufferable,” he said, shaking his head in mock pity. “Both of you.” His gaze flicked to Mira, who was still slumped against the wall, watching the scene unfold with wide, wary eyes.
Mira’s pulse quickened as Gareth’s attention settled on her. The hatred and malice in his expression were unmistakable, but there was something else—something calculating and cold.
“You both are thorns in my side,” Gareth said, his voice dripping with disdain. “I tolerated you, Liana, because I thought you weren’t as stupid as your sister. But now?” He chuckled darkly. “Now I see you’re both useless.”
Liana’s mouth opened in protest, but no words came out. She could only stare up at him, her mind reeling from the humiliation.
Mira, though weak and battered, managed to summon her voice. “If we’re so useless,” she rasped, “then why keep us alive?”
Gareth crouched down, his face mere inches from hers. His smirk widened as he reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face in a gesture that made her flinch. “Because, Mira,” he said softly, his voice almost tender, “even pawns have their purpose.”
Mira’s stomach churned, and she forced herself to meet his gaze. “What purpose?” she demanded, her voice trembling but defiant.
Gareth’s smirk faltered for a fraction of a second before returning, sharper than ever. “You want to know?” he said, standing and addressing them both. “Fine. I’ll tell you.”
He began pacing the room, his hands clasped behind his back. “Alpha Kaelan,” he said, his tone almost reverent. “The great Alpha Prince. So noble, so righteous. But even the mighty have weaknesses.”
“What are you talking about?” Liana snapped, scrambling to her feet despite her shaking legs.
Gareth turned to face her, his smirk gone. “Kaelan is my target,” he said flatly. “He’s always been my target. You two?” He gestured between them with a dismissive wave. “You’re just tools. Means to an end.”
Mira’s heart sank as his words sank in. “You’ve been using us,” she whispered, her voice laced with disbelief.
“Of course I’ve been using you,” Gareth said with a laugh. “Do you think I care about your petty squabbles or your pathetic family drama? No. All I care about is power—and Kaelan has the power I need.”