Mandira stood with her arms crossed, her eyes narrowing slightly as she glanced between Shennong and Romina. The air was thick with tension, not just from the unease of what lay beneath the dungeon's second floor—but from something more personal.
"Romina," Mandira said slowly, her voice carefully measured. "Do you… seek revenge? From my brother? From the king? From your father?"
Romina didn't answer right away. Her gaze was distant, fixed somewhere beyond the chamber walls, as if searching the far reaches of her own mind. Shennong, standing beside her, frowned.
"She doesn't have to answer that," he muttered. "I promised her I'd help with anything she wanted. That promise hasn't changed."
Mandira's eyes flicked to him. "Even if it's revenge?"
"She's become important to me," Shennong said firmly. "No, not just to me. She's family now. If she wants revenge, I'll support her."
A sharp silence followed. Mandira clenched her jaw. She looked away, her thoughts swirling in conflict.
