Chapter 10

All eyes turned to me.

The triumphant smile on Lucius’s face froze, a flicker of panic in his eyes.

"Anya? What are you talking about?"

I walked slowly toward the center of the stage. Every step was deliberate, echoing in the silent hall.

"I'm talking about," my voice was clear and sharp, "the fact that this ritual was a sham."

Whispers erupted from the crowd.

Lucius struggled to keep his composure. "A sham? The Goddess has spoken!"

"The Goddess's answer?" I sneered and signaled to my aide. The large screen flickered to life, showing a high-definition audio file.

"Why don't we listen to this first?"

I hit play.

Lucius's voice filled the hall, so clear that everyone could hear every word.

"I've already contacted a warlock from the black market. They have ways to interfere with the ritual's outcome..."

"Once the ritual is a success, I'll take care of Clara and that bastard pup. They will never be seen again..."

A dead silence fell over the hall.

Everyone stared in shock at Lucius, whose