Chapter 74

Claire's POV The single word hung in the air between us like a challenge. Luna Roanna's perfectly composed expression flickered—just for a moment—with something that might have been surprise. Clearly, she wasn't accustomed to being refused, especially not by someone she considered so far beneath her station. "I beg your pardon?" Her voice dropped to a whisper that somehow carried more menace than any shout. My heart was beating so hard I was certain she could hear it, but I forced myself to remain standing tall. Everything in my Omega nature screamed at me to submit, to apologize, to bow my head and accept her dominance. But thinking of Theo—of the way he looked at me like I was precious, of how he'd defended me against his own son, of the gentle strength in his hands when he held me—I found a courage I didn't know I possessed. "With all due respect, Luna," I said, my voice trembling but growing steadier with each word, "my relationship with Theo is not a 'dalliance.'" Her eyes narrowe