The temperature in the room seems to drop ten degrees. “There is no shame in being a Bride. It’s an ancient tradition, one that’s kept our faction from war more than a few times. There’s a reason that tradition endures and it will be respected.”

“You’re saying all the right words, Mother, but your tone leaves something to be desired.” Monroe props her hands on her hips. “If you move against the Raiders, you know very well that you’ll endanger Winry and Jasper.”

“They’re Amazons. They’ll be fine.”

I probably shouldn’t find her coldness shocking. After all, one doesn’t hold the position of queen of the Amazons for decades without being ruthless to a fault. But she’s talking about her daughter and brother. Her family.

I hold perfectly still, barely daring to breathe, as Monroe stiffens. “I would happily sacrifice my life if it meant they stayed safe.” She means it, too.

“You are the Amazon heir. That’s not an option.”

Monroe gives a bitter little laugh. “So the truth comes out. You’re willing to wager Winry’s life on this. She’s my sister. She never asked for any of this, and you’ll throw her to the wolves to keep me safe when I don’t need it.”

Aisling lifts her brows. “Your information leaves something to be desired, daughter. Cohen Paine is approaching an obsession with your sister. He won’t allow anything permanent to remove her from his grasp until his feelings have run their course. I’ll have the situation rectified by then.”

If anything, Monroe looks more horrified. “That doesn’t make your hedging your bets better. You don’t know what he’ll do to her.”

“She’s an Amazon,” Aisling repeats. “She’ll survive.”

Not exactly a ringing endorsement. It’s never been clearer how differently the Amazons and Raiders function. Things weren’t great in the Raider faction under Bauer Paine, but Abel is a different kind of leader. He’s just as ruthless—when it comes to other people. That’s the distinction. When it comes to his people, especially his brothers, he’ll lie, cheat, and steal to keep them safe. I’ve witnessed it countless times over the years. He would never, ever pull some shit like this, purposefully endangering one of them to punish an enemy. He’d find another way.

“Ultimately, it’s in your hands, daughter. Fix the situation, remove yourself from danger, and I won’t have to take any steps.” She glances at me and then to Monroe. “You know what I’ll do otherwise. The ball is in your court.”

“You’re a real piece of work.” Monroe’s face goes red with fury, a break in control I’ve never seen from her. “Excuse me, I need some fresh air.”