The sound of my palm connecting with Seraphina's cheek echoed through the hospital room. For a moment, everything froze – Natalie's theatrical wailing stopped mid-breath, Julian stood stock-still, and Seraphina's eyes widened in shock.
"Don't you ever speak about my daughter again," I seethed, my voice trembling with barely contained fury. "Not her name. Not her memory. Nothing."
Seraphina recovered quickly, her hand cradling her reddening cheek. "How dare you? Do you know who I am?"
"I know exactly who you are." I stepped closer, my wolf surging protectively inside me. "You're nothing but Natalie's lapdog, willing to insult a dead child to curry favor."
"Julian!" Natalie cried out, clutching at his arm. "Are you going to let her assault your family like this?"
I turned to Julian, waiting. His face remained impassive, amber eyes cold as he looked between Seraphina and me. His silence spoke volumes.
