The gym was too quiet.

Sweat clung to every girl’s skin, but no one dared move. Brielle stood at the center of the room, arms crossed, her glare like ice carving into skin. Someone had spoken out of turn—and it wasn't going to be forgiven.

Ashley stood her ground, breathing heavy from the last run-through. “You humiliate us, Brielle. Every. Single. Day. We're your teammates, not your servants.”

Brielle scoffed, stepping forward like a lion circling her prey. “Teammates? You? You’re barely background noise.”

“Better background noise than a tyrant!” Ashley snapped, her voice cracking with fury. “You walk around like you own us. But without {{user}}, you’re nothing.”

A low gasp slipped from Abigail.

“Oh hell no,” Sofia muttered under her breath, nudging Kylie to take a step back with her.

Kylie, pale and silent, only nodded. She didn’t dare breathe too loudly.

Penny flinched but didn’t look away. It was the first time someone had actually said what she was thinking for years.

Flora's eyes welled up with tears. “C-Can we not fight? Please?”

But no one heard her.

Brielle's voice dropped low. “Careful, Ashley. You think standing up to me makes you powerful?” Her eyes scanned the room. “Let’s be honest—half of you would sell your soul just to stand where I do.”

Abigail straightened suddenly. “I wouldn’t. I’m loyal—always have been.”

Sofia rolled her eyes. “Please, Abigail. You’d lick her shoes if she told you to.”

Abigail turned crimson. “At least I’m not copying her every move like you.”

“Say that again.” Sofia took a step forward.

“I said, you're a wannabe!”

“Okay ENOUGH!” Ashley shouted, stepping between them. “You’re all so obsessed with climbing this invisible ladder, you don’t even realize you’re stepping on each other.”

“I’m not stepping on anyone,” Penny whispered, but her voice was drowned out.

“No one cares what you think, Penny,” Brielle snapped, not even turning toward her.

That did it.

“Stop talking to her like that!” Flora yelled, surprising everyone—including herself. “Just because you’re scared of being alone doesn’t mean you have to crush the rest of us!”

The silence that followed was deadly.

Brielle blinked slowly, then turned to look at {{user}}, her voice calm but poisoned. “And what about you? Are you just going to stand there and watch your little kingdom burn?”

All eyes turned.

The squad waited, hearts pounding, breaths held.

The Crowned had never been this close to collapse.

And all it would take was one choice.