Elara suddenly yanked her arm free from the guard and slapped him hard across the face.
The sound cracked through the silent hall like a whip. The guard stumbled back, holding his cheek. Everyone froze.
She stood there breathing heavily, hair messy, dress torn at the shoulder from struggling. Her eyes locked on Darius across the platform.
“You want my blood?” she said, voice raw as she stormed toward Lira. “Then take it. Right here. In front of everyone.”
Lira’s perfectly painted lips parted in surprise. She placed a protective hand on her belly and stepped back slightly, but her eyes sparkled with satisfaction.
Darius moved forward quickly, grabbing Elara’s wrist. “Elara, stop—”
“Don’t touch me,” she hissed, snatching her hand away so violently her nails scratched his palm. She turn
