Chapter 76

Ruby's POV

As my frustration and confusion mounted, I found myself clutching my necklace, a token that held a piece of my past, a connection to someone who once meant something to me. I remembered giving the other half of this necklace to Alpha Ralph, a symbol of trust and affection.

"He doesn't deserve it," I muttered under my breath, my mind battling the tangled emotions within me.

"Who?" a voice suddenly echoed in the room. Startled, I turned to see my mother, Elsa, standing there. I hadn't noticed her entering, and her presence irritated me even more.

"I didn't notice when you came in," I replied, my tone lacking enthusiasm, making it clear I didn't want her there.

"Who were you referring to?" Elsa asked again, coming closer to me. I sighed and discreetly placed the necklace back inside the wardrobe.

"I wasn't talking to you, Mother," I said, walking back to the window, my back turn