The middle-aged man rubbed a hand over his face and shook his head slowly, looking worn out. "I explained the spell to her. More than once." His gaze flicked toward his wife before settling back on Voren. "She just refuses to accept it."
Oriana folded her arms tight across her chest, her face set in that stubborn way that made it crystal clear she wasn't planning to budge an inch.
"Voren, Jasmine saved my life, and I already made a promise—"
A humorless laugh burst out of Voren, sharp and cutting through the tension in the room. "So if another she-wolf saves your life next year, am I supposed to marry her too?"
His words landed like a blade. Oriana blinked hard, caught off guard. Voren took a few deliberate steps forward, locking eyes with her, his voice low and intense. "Mom, I don't remember being raised as payment for debts."
