Seraphina's words struck the air, sharp and unyielding. "Tell me, Aveline... are you willing to lose everything you were born with... just to protect him?"
"No," she breathed, low and sharp.
Seraphina's smile widened, triumphant. She had orchestrated this moment. The slap, the sting, the humiliation… it was all supposed to peel Aveline apart piece by piece until she gave up on Alaric. "Smart girl. I knew you…"
"No," Aveline repeated, her voice cutting through Seraphina's satisfaction like a knife. "I'm not willing to lose everything I was born with."
Seraphina unconsciously braced herself, looking into Aveline's eyes that blazed with a fire that made the campfire seem dim.
Aveline continued, "But I'm also not willing to lose everything I chose." Her poise remained untouched.
Seraphina: "..."
Even the music from outside seemed to fade, reflecting Seraphina's shock.
The silence grew heavy around them, the tension sharp enough to slice through the air.
