Sir Sylvester stepped forward, his heavy boots echoing through the hall.
His sharp gaze locked onto Selene.
“These crimes against you are outrageous,” he declared, his voice ringing with authority. “And they deserve serious punishment.”
The crowd held its breath.
But Selene did not flinch.
She lifted her chin, her piercing gaze meeting his without fear.
“Sylvester,” she said, her voice cool and unwavering, “you should not believe everything you hear.”
SMACK!
Sylvester gave her a brutal slap, the force of the slap snapped her head to the side.
Gasps erupted across the room.
A deep red mark bloomed on her cheek.
And then she slowly turned back.
Her eyes burned with defiance as she glared at him.
“How dare—”
“HOW DARE YOU TALK TO ME LIKE THAT?!” Sir Sylvester roared, cutting her
