The plantation bathed in a serene glow. Ruby still clung to Velmora's tail, giggling every time the slick scales trembled at her touch. Validia and Morvessa watched with faint smiles—the air felt more like a strange family gathering than a group of monsters who were once enemies.
Domina walked closer, her hand brushing along blooming petals. Her gaze softened, yet her voice came out low, almost a whisper:
"If only your father had been a great man… Ruby would be so much safer."
The words fell gently, but enough to make Ruby snap her head up. Her round eyes widened, rabbit ears twitching stiffly. In a high-pitched voice full of raw anger, she shot back:
"Mama! Don't insult Papa! You can't say that!"
Velmora's tail froze, Morvessa instinctively raised an eyebrow, and Validia just watched in silence—looking almost pleased at the little girl's courage.
