Chapter 10
Aria’s POV.
I held Celeste’s wrist tight, her hand frozen mid-air, inches from my face. My grip was iron, fueled by years of her sneers, her taunts, her smug certainty that I’d always be less. The calm one.
The lowly Omega. The twin who bowed her head and took the blows. My heart pounded, a wild drum in my chest, as memories of humiliation flashed through me—her mocking laughter, Mother’s cold glares, the pack’s whispers that I was nothing.
I’d endured it all, swallowing my pride like bitter medicine. But not today. Not anymore.
"Don’t you dare try that again," I hissed, my voice low and sharp, surprising even me.
My fingers tightened, and Celeste flinched, her perfect face twisting with fury.
Her blue eyes, so like mine but burning with hate, glared into me. I didn’t let go. I wanted her to feel it—the strength she never thought I had.
She yanked her hand free, stumbling back a step, her silver dress shimmering like a snake’s scales.
"You think you’re clever, Aria?" she spat, her voice a venomous whisper, meant for my ears alone.
"Your silly tricks won’t last. I’ll take what’s mine soon enough!" Her chest heaved, her rage a living thing, clawing at the air between us.
I chuckled, the sound of my words cold and weird on my lips. "I’ll be waiting, Celeste," I said, tilting my head, letting a small smile curl my mouth. But inside, my heart was a storm.