The air inside Seraphina's chamber was heavy, scented with incense and deceit.
Alessia's heartbeat thundered in her chest, yet she stood unyielding, her presence commanding as the flickering torches cast shadows across the carved walls.
She wasn't afraid, Not tonight.
Seraphina had dared her first. That truth gave her courage.
The rival woman's eyes widened when Alessia unveiled herself. Daisy stood beside her, trembling but resolute, pulling away her own mask.
Seraphina's laughter sliced through the silence, sharp and mocking.
"Ooh, look who we have here," she crooned, her red lips curving into a smirk. "And what are you doing in my domain, little intruders?"
Alessia's chin lifted. "Your domain? You invaded mine first. You stole my box, my belonging. I came to take back what was mine."
Seraphina's brows arched like blades. "And yet, I was never caught but You were.... Which makes you the criminal here."
