Elara closed her eyes tight and forced them open. The energy inside her was clawing at her throat, wild and dangerous. Beside her, Samantha hunched her shoulders and wrapped her arms around herself, trying to shrink away. Even Melina, who usually didn't scare easily, raised her eyebrows and took a half-step back.
Elara took a quiet, deep breath. It did nothing. Her fingertips were trembling, and she clenched them into fists until her nails bit into her palms. She couldn't find her cool. Not today.
"You should start wrapping up your little side businesses and come into the main office," her mother droned on, oblivious to the storm brewing in her. "It's time you settled down for the family's sake. The broad members promised to support your move into the board, so before it's too late—"
"—It seems you've finished your deal successfully," Elara interrupted.
