Back on the other side, Arabella watched as Sylva offered no further protest. That smug little silence was enough to make her smile.
"I want you to bless her with seventh-tier blessing spells," she said, turning toward Selena. Her tone was light, almost sweet, but her words carried the weight of a command. "Prepare yourself. I've already spoken to your father."
She smiled soft, superior, and shining with the confidence of someone who believed she'd already won. Her eyes slid sideways toward Razeal. He's going to regret this so much.
Selena went quiet.
She looked at the Duchess.. Arabella Selphira, one of the strongest pillars of the Empire. A Sovereign-class powerhouse. Then she turned to Razeal. He stood there, completely still, no fear or hope in his expression. Just... calm. As if her answer was already known to him, as if he expected nothing from anyone.
