Chapter 48

　　Serena 　　Tension hung heavy in the air as Damon, Ashford, and I found ourselves encircled by Mathilde and her menacing entourage. My heart raced, and my fists clenched tightly at my sides. Anger and disappointment radiated from my glare directed at my half-sister, Tori, who now stood in shame behind her mother. 　　"What have you done?" I demanded, my voice trembling with a mix of anger and sorrow. Tori's tears flowed freely, and her guilt was evident in every sob that wracked her fragile frame. “We trusted you, Tori! You promised to do the right thing this time!” 　　Hearing that, Mathilde sneered at me with a wicked grin. "Do you expect my daughter to betray me? Dream on!" Her voice was chilling and calculating, and her eyes gleamed with a twisted sense of satisfaction. 　　Damon stepped forward, looking at the commanding guards who threatened us. "How dare you point your weapons at me! Have you forgotten who I am? I am the Alpha Heir of Blood Rose. 　　His eyes locked on Mathilde, his