"I refuse to accept this. "Velmira's words rang sharp, cold, and clear.
The arena fell silent in an instant. Gasps froze mid-air. Celestials who had already begun rising from their seats to return to their domains halted, their movements suspended as if time itself had caught them. Every gaze turned toward the Goddess of Realms and Fates. The joy that had rolled like thunder moments before collapsed into a taut, disbelieving hush.
Selene turned her head slightly, one brow arching, her face calm yet curious. Elenya scoffed beside her, crossing her arms. "Can't deal with failure, I see," she muttered under her breath.
"I did not fail!" Velmira's voice rose in fury, echoing against the marble walls. "I was not given a fair trial!"
"Potato, tomato," Elenya mocked, her lips twisting in a smirk.
Selene nudged her lightly, her expression still neutral. "Enough."
