“They are killing machines,” Rana cried. “Cruel. Savage.”
Her voice broke as she continued, “How can you even consider giving your daughter to someone like that?”
Iva pressed a shaking hand to her chest.
“There,” Rana went on, her words tumbling out in panic, “women have no voice. They are used for breeding, labor, survival. Some packs don’t even have running water or electricity, Rhys! They live like animals!”
Her mother’s voice rose to a scream. “Are you mad?!”
Iva felt bile rise in her throat.
She couldn’t breathe.
Rhys exhaled slowly. “Yet they are strong,” he said again. “And strength is what our pack needs, especially as the new Messenger is not yet known. And once it will appear… everyone will try to secure its presence.”
“No,” Rana sobbed. “No, no, no—”
“Enough Rana! This
