"What happened? Why is Mia's face bleeding?"
"Oh my god, that wound looks so deep. Is it going to leave a scar?"
"Mia is the most beautiful female in the tribe—if her face is ruined, will her beast husbands still want her?"
...
The crowd that had gathered erupted in discussion.
Some people were shocked, others were clearly gloating, and there were those who snuck glances at Luna, their expressions complicated.
Maya Miller squeezed through the crowd. When she saw Mia's ruined face, a flash of delight flickered in her eyes.
But she faked a look of worry, hurried over, and said theatrically, "Sister, what's wrong with your face? Oh no, so much blood… Will it scar? It absolutely can't! If you're disfigured, your beast husbands might not want you anymore…"
Her words sounded caring, but every sentence pierced Mia's heart like a knife.
