-LILIAN-
The cold, triumphant smile that spread across Alexander’s face was a dagger to my soul. He believed he had won. He believed he had finally broken me. And watching him, seeing the dark satisfaction in his eyes, I knew I had to give him what he wanted. For now. My life, Uriel’s agonizing sacrifice, Elara’s fragile existence – it all depended on this performance.
The bitter bile of disgust rose in my throat, but I swallowed it down, forcing my features into a mask of defeat. My eyes, though still swimming with unshed tears, deliberately lowered, avoiding his piercing gaze. My shoulders slumped further, a portrait of utter resignation.
He watched me for a long, tense moment, savouring the silent victory. The crimson barrier still pulsed, humming with his power, a constant reminder
