The ring lay on the floor, cold, metal glinting under the dim light. Aria's fingers itched to grab it. Her heart screamed to move. But Lorenzo's eyes, dark and steady, held her still.
Sebastian's smile stretched, cruel, watching her hesitation. "Tick-tock, wife. Make your choice. Pick it up, or watch him burn. It's that simple."
Aria's knees wobbled. She wanted to shout, to scream, to throw herself at him. She didn't. She could feel every beat of her heart, every pulse like a drum in her ears. She could hear her own shallow breathing, the slight shake of her hands.
Lorenzo's gun was steady. His hand was firm, even as sweat ran down his temple. He knew one wrong move could end everything. One wrong move, and Sebastian would kill them both.
"Do it," Sebastian whispered, like he could hear her thoughts. "Do you want him dead? You want me to hurt him for you?"
Aria's throat burned. She shook her head, even as tears filled her eyes. "I… I won't…"
