Chapter 43

Violet

The atmosphere changed instantly, and my heart sank as Mom’s memory was brought up in such a careless way.

How dared he?

Did he even know her like that to bring her up?

I clenched my fists under the table, trying to keep calm. How could he even say something like that?

The rogue attack that took Mom and Dad was something unfortunate, but it was not inevitable.

His comment felt unfair, especially because it was something beyond Dad’s control. And the way he said it, with such coldness, made me realize just how terrible he truly was.

He really was a heartless piece of shit—an even bigger piece of shit than his son.

The king continued chewing, completely oblivious. “I was just talking to Jack yesterday about how I miss my Starlight days.”

I glanced at Jack, wondering how someone like him had ended up as the Beta of someone like the king, or even Chrystal’s dad. All throughout dinner, that man had been nothing but kind and respectful—just like Nate.

A smile tugged at the corners o