Tamar's strong hand tightened into a solid ball, her knuckles whitening with the intensity of her protective anger.
Without another moment's hesitation, she swung her fist forward in a swift, powerful strike that connected directly with Sara's cheek, the impact sending visible shockwaves rippling through the charged atmosphere of the vine-woven hall.
Sara gritted her teeth tightly together, the sharp sting blooming across her face as she glared back with fierce defiance burning in her eyes.
She raised her own hand almost instinctively, preparing to return the blow with equal force, but her gaze suddenly shifted sideways toward Elara.
There, the queen sat being gently comforted by Marina's steady presence, her shoulders still trembling from the deep emotional pain of having lost their village's one and only man—the precious Benjamin who meant so much to every sister in the Spire.
