Zara's heart pounded as she turned away from Madam Verta, her steps unsteady but determined.
She had made her choice—she wasn't going to be anyone's puppet, no matter how dire her condition felt. Noah and Orion flanked her on either side, silent but alert.
Madam Verta's voice cut through the air like a blade.
I truly do feel sorry for you, Zara."
Zara stopped walking, fists clenched.
"Keep your pity."
"But I can't let you leave like this. It would be cruel to do nothing."
Verta continued, her tone soft but deadly.
Zara turned sharply, ready to snap back—but she never got the chance.
A blur of movement. Instinct screamed.
Zara ducked just as Isabelle lunged from the side, a blade of compressed air slicing through the space her head had just been.
The force of the missed attack kicked up dust and tore through the ground.
Zara stumbled back, eyes wide.
Isabelle didn't pause. She struck again, this time with flames licking around her fists.
