I looked him straight in the eye, unwavering, letting the weight of my gaze settle on his face like a final declaration.
This was it.
The moment I decided I would rather die than live shackled.
I had already resolved to face death the moment I accepted this duel.
There was no turning back. There was no alternate path waiting in the wings.
This wasn't just some display of courage—it was everything.
I would rather perish holding on to the pride of the woman I've always been, than strip that away, become a man, and reduce myself to his puppet—a doll molded by his vision of strength and submission.
That was a future I refused to accept.
I didn't want that twisted mercy. That hollow version of existence.
If I gave in to him, I would only be met with endless suffering.
And somehow, Leon knew.
He must've sensed it—that today was the day I planned to face Father in a duel.
That I had carved my resolve in stone. That I was ready to die if I had to.
