Blade That Refuses to Leave
"Then please tell me, what is it that you want?"
Lane spoke without lifting his voice. It didn't sharpen. It didn't even carry frustration.
It felt off because of that.
There she stayed, still as stone, while the thick air around her cut close without making her flinch.
Inside, though—
If this fails… I'll have to report everything to Victor.
Her fingers twitched faintly at her side.
And that means… explaining why I didn't bring Brinda.
That alone annoyed her more than the possibility of killing everyone in this mansion.
Victor's instructions had been clear.
If negotiations fail—wipe them out.
Simple. Cold. Efficient.
But Lane didn't want to do that.
She was able - just chose not to.
That was her reason. Not wishing it ruled her out. She stayed away. Her choice stood firm.
Victor's pen hovered, then struck the line hard - once, again. The Redcliffe family stood apart, not simply another entry lost in the crowd.
They mattered.
