The whole room suddenly went pin-drop silent.
A sharp, echoing slap had just rung out loud and unforgiving.
Maria stood motionless, her face turned to the side, the echo of Razeal's hand still hanging in the air. For a moment, it was as if her body hadn't caught up to what had just happened. Slowly, almost delicately, she raised her hand to her cheek.
Her fingers brushed the skin hot, flushed, stinging.
Her eyes blinked. Once. Twice.
She looked at him, but not like she was seeing him. It was as if reality itself had glitched for her.
Across from her, Razeal shrugged, spreading his hands in a "What did I say?" gesture.
"I warned you." He said
