Unbeknownst to Lory and Zhao Li Xin, the blood-red flower quivered. Its petals shuddered once, then slowly unfurled wider, the veins of crimson pulsing faintly beneath the green outer layer.
From its heart, a thin green mist seeped into the air, nearly invisible, drifting outward in languid spirals. It carried no scent, no warning, slipping through the room like a silent breath.
Calista lifted her teacup. She took a slow sip, as though savoring the moment. At the corner of her lips, a faint smirk surfaced, calm, restrained, and faint.
Relief filled her chest as the poison began to spread and fill the room. Slowly but surely, she believed. No matter how strong or vigilant they were, they wouldn't be able to escape it.
As expected, Lory's smile faded shortly after. Her brows furrowed, a fine frown replacing the calmness that had previously radiated from her.
