CH.155

The guards deposited the maid in an unceremonious heap on ground, her hair obscuring her face as she lay crumpled and unmoving.

Meredith sneered down at the pathetic figure for a long moment, her expression twisted into one of utter contempt.

"This is what happens to those who dare defy the destiny. Who turn their backs on their sacred duties in favor of petty selfishness and greed." Her words dripped with venom.

"Let this be a lesson to you all," Meredith continued, her gaze sweeping over the gathered wolves with a look of pure, unadulterated loathing. "The path we walk is not an easy one, nor is it without its sacrifices. But it is sacred. Ordained by forces greater than any of us can comprehend."

Then she turned her piercing stare on Serena. Her eyes bored into the younger woman with an intensity that seemed to strip away every last vestige of her defenses and false bravado.

"You would do well to remember that, dear. The choices laid before you are not ones to be made lightly or wit