"You actually dared to poison Elena?!" Talieran's rage blazed like fire. He stepped in front of Vera, his blue eyes flickering with golden light from fury.
He grabbed the poisoned appetizer from the table and seized Vera's chin. "You're so sure this food is fine? Then eat it! Eat all of it!"
"No! No! Let me go!" Vera struggled desperately, tears streaming down her face.
"Talieran." Elena stopped him. She walked to where Vera had collapsed on the floor, crouched down, and stared into her terrified eyes. "Tell me, what exactly did you put in there?"
Vera's eyes flickered, lips trembling. "Just... ordinary poison... bought from the black market... something to make people sick..."
"Ordinary poison?" Elena's voice was quiet. That dish still looked appetizing to normal eyes, bu
