Lilith pushed herself up and sat down with difficulty.
"What a monster," she spat on the ground, then slowly stood up.
Rowan didn't move. He didn't press the advantage. Instead, he simply watched her, calm and poised, giving her the chance to rise.
Up in the noble balcony, Emily's fist clenched slightly. She was an experienced adventurer—danger, injuries, and even casualties were familiar sights to her. And Lilith wasn't some fragile flower. That attack hadn't truly put her in danger. Still, her mother's heart ached, just a little.
It seemed even the strongest people had weaknesses.
Beside her, Noah sat with a calm expression. As if all this was within expectations. He knew Lilith's personality—and her strength. That last hit wasn't enough to break her, not physically, and certainly not mentally.
Back on the stage—
Lilith stood upright once more. Her breathing was heavy. But her eyes were still burning with conviction.
