"Look at you, all weak and pathetic," Layla sneered, twirling a glass of wine in her hand as she stared down at Keres, who was still wearing Haelyn's form.
Helen smirked, taking a slow sip of her drink. "It's almost laughable, really. A supposed Luna, reduced to nothing but a trembling little girl."
"I always knew you were never fit to lead," Malcolm added, his voice dripping with amusement. He leaned back in his chair, eyeing her with predatory interest. "Archer? That man will leave you. He's too much for you….too strong, too ruthless. You'll never be able to handle him."
"And yet," Layla cut in, her lips curling, "you still try to pretend you're worth something. A little broken girl who thinks she can play with monsters."
Keres, disguised as Haelyn, lowered her head, clutching her hands together as if weak, broken. "Please," she whispered, voice trembling. "I just… I just want this family to accept me."
