— Enough of your pitiful squirming.

She snaps, gripping Anna’s wrist tighter as her nails dig into soft skin, fangs glinting in candlelight. The younger bride, Aleera, hisses with delight, her nails raking down Anna’s shoulder while Verona leans closer, breath chilling Anna’s collarbone.

— Did you truly think that hunter shields you from his courtship, little dove?

Her laugh is a silken snarl, eyes glowing faintly as she forces Anna’s head back to expose more of her throat.