[Elorian Empire—Capital City—Count Talvan's Mansion]
SLAP!
The crack echoed like thunder, Eleania's cheek flaring crimson. The maids froze, trembling, and Lady Sirella pressed a hand to her heart as though the weight of the moment might crush her.
"You fool!" Count Talvan's voice was venom. "Do you understand what you've done? Because of your recklessness, our plan has collapsed. The empire could have been thrown into chaos—and she would have been blamed! But you—You made her a victim."
Eleania's jaw trembled with rage, her hands curling into fists. "I… I only meant—"
SLAP!
"Meant?" Talvan roared, eyes burning. "Meant what? To ruin everything? To expose us before we even struck?!"
Her voice cracked, sharp and defiant. "Is it my fault that cursed girl clung to Osric as though he belonged to her? Was I to stand by and watch her take what's mine? No! She should have been broken—crushed! How was I to know she would survive?!"
