Cornelia raised a hand before anyone could move again.
"Wait."
Her voice was steady, but it carried enough weight to cut through the tension like a blade through silk. The pressure of mana in the corridor did not fade, yet the noise seemed to dim, as if even the air itself leaned closer to listen.
Sevette frowned. "What now?"
Cornelia turned her body slightly, placing herself half a step in front of Cain without fully blocking him. It was a subtle move, almost instinctive, yet everyone noticed. Cain noticed most of all.
"This duel," Cornelia said slowly, choosing each word with care, "is unfair on my side. I don't like it."
Sevette scoffed. "Unfair? You were the one who accepted."
"Yes," Cornelia replied calmly, "but not like this."
She lifted her chin, eyes sharp, gaze unwavering. "You are challenging me for my husband."
A ripple passed through the crowd.
