Daphne's POV
The instant we cleared the garden gates, my mother's mask crumbled.
Her fingers clamped around my wrist like a steel trap. Sharp nails bit through expensive fabric, and before I could react, she jerked me forward with brutal force. My designer heels skidded on the gravel.
"You pathetic little fool." The words dripped venom. Her voice stayed low, but every syllable vibrated with barely contained rage. "You stupid, blind fool."
I yanked against her grip, but she only squeezed harder. We'd moved behind the towering hedge that separated the garden path from the main estate. Away from watchful eyes. Away from Lyra's tearful face and Kaelen's intimidating guards.
"What the hell are you talking about?" I kept my tone level despite my pulse hammering against my throat. I'd seen my mother angry countless times. This was something else entirely. This was fury mixed with something darker.
