Bella's POV
My words drained every drop of color from Lucius's face, and I watched the disgust and hatred in my eyes cut through him like a blade.
Pain flashed across his features, and I could see his strength ebbing away.
Something shifted in Lucius's expression—a memory surfacing. His face darkened as he turned to me. "What happened to you in the barracks?"
I met his gaze steadily. "What a ridiculous question, Lord Thorne. You're a man yourself—don't tell me you don't know what was going through those men's minds."
Lucius's voice cracked as he shouted, "No, impossible! They would never dare lay a finger on you..."
"Lucius," I stepped closer, letting him see the full weight of my loathing. "Isn't this exactly what you wanted? You got what you wished for—ruining me. And now you dare play the good guy in front of me?" I held his panicked stare. "The sight of you now is utterly disgusting."
