The heavy, suffocating silence returned to the grand hall in a single heartbeat. Every guard stood paralyzed, and even Deborah held her breath as Elijah’s desperate confession echoed off the cold stone walls. Michael froze mid-stride, his raised fist hovering in the air. The violent rage that had just consumed his dark eyes slowly settled into a cold, calculated calm. He lowered his hand, turning his back on his bruised brother without another word. Taking slow, deliberate steps, Michael walked back up the marble dais, smoothed down the front of his tunic, and sat heavily onto his golden throne. He rested his chin against his knuckles, staring down at us with an intense, unreadable gaze. "She will still be given her full, due punishment for her disobedience," Michael stated, his deep voice smooth and dangerously quiet. He flicked his hand dismissively toward the entrance. "However, all of you may leave this room right now. I wish to speak with her completely in private." Elijah wip
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