Aria’s POV
Yes, I dare her to do her worst.
This is not the Aria they knew before.
Luna Celestine staggered back, one hand clutched against her cheek, her eyes wide with disbelief and blazing with fury. The sharp slap I had delivered still echoed in the walls of the dining room, bouncing between the glittering chandeliers and the stunned silence of the maids who had scattered into corners.
“You… you slapped me?” she stammered, her voice cracking.
I didn’t flinch. I didn’t even blink. I stared her down, hand still tingling with the fire of that moment.
“Yes,” I said coldly. “And I’ll do it again if you try me.”
Her jaw dropped. “You insolent little—!”
She lunged at me.
I didn’t move. Instead, I raised my hand again, but this time not to strike, but to warn. My fingers hovered mid-a
