Livia tried to straighten her spine, her body trembling violently as though the very weight of the world was crushing her shoulders. She wanted to stand tall—if only to show them that she would not bow to lies—but her strength was abandoning her.
Another cough tore through her chest, and fresh blood spilled down her lips, staining the marble floor beneath her again.
Gasps echoed throughout the grand hall again, as they witnessed how Livia suffered from the punishment they cannot see.
"Luna!" Madame Julie exclaimed, reaching for her, but Livia lifted a weak hand to stop her.
"I… I can still—" Her words broke as another wave of agony twisted through her chest, forcing her to her knees. She clutched at her heart as though it would shatter into pieces in her palm.
The five Elders leaned forward, whispering among themselves. Elder Caelum finally spoke, his voice heavy:
"So be it. The trial will continue tonight. Let the lies be stripped, and the—"
"No."
