"So I am giving you a final choice," he said. "What do you want to do?"
The corridor seemed narrower than before.
"If you step away," Julian continued, "I will not hold you in any bad regard. There will be no punishment. You may return to your work, to your husband, and to the slower road you were already walking."
His gaze did not waver.
"But if you continue, then do not do it as a woman telling herself she had no choice at all. That would be convenient, and mostly false."
Mira's throat moved as she swallowed. Sera remained silent beside her, as if she understood that this moment was no longer about seduction or reward.
The silence that followed was thick and heavy.
But Mira did not take much time. Although she appreciated the Young Lord for at least giving her a final chance, her path was already fixed.
She looked at him directly and said,
"I already made my choice, Young Lord. I will please you however you like."
Julian's eyes glinted.
"Good."
