As the dinner wound down and the guests began to rise, Lord Bragaton kept a sharp eye on Layla and her companions. He had expected the sedatives in the food to start taking effect by now, but to his growing frustration, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Layla stood tall, her posture unwavering, her gaze as calm and composed as it had been when she first walked into his estate.
Bragaton forced a smile, stepping closer to her. "Lady Layla, you've had quite the journey. Are you sure you're feeling all right? Perhaps the wine was too strong?"
Layla tilted her head, the faintest hint of amusement flickering in her eyes. "I assure you, Lord Bragaton, I am perfectly fine. Your hospitality has been most... invigorating."
Her tone was polite, but the subtle jab wasn't lost on Bragaton. He clenched his jaw, his frustration mounting. He tried again, this time directing his question at Mary Ann and Raziel. "And your companions? They look a bit... fatigued. Perhaps they need some rest?"
