The moment Joy uttered the words 'Noble Killer' Carmela's entire body went rigid.
Her fingers twitched ever so slightly against the ground, her breathing faltered for a heartbeat, and her eyes trembled—just faintly, but enough to betray that she recognized the name.
For a brief moment, her gaze darted toward the dagger lying beside her hip, her instincts screaming at her to grab it, to fight, to silence, to run.
But she stopped herself.
She forced her hand still and her shoulders relaxed, as if she'd mastered the art of hiding her own panic.
When she finally spoke, her tone was casual, too casual.
"The Noble Killer?" She repeated, feigning confusion. "Who exactly is that supposed to be?"
Joy didn't buy the act, though she smiled faintly, almost politely, as if indulging her.
"You really don't know?"
Carmela tilted her head, forcing a clueless smirk.
"Should I?"
Joy leaned back slightly, resting her arms over her knees.
