The grand audience hall had never felt so cold

Courtiers stood frozen in terrified silence as a young maid knelt on the polished marble floor, trembling. A faint red mark bloomed across Ophelia's cheek where she had been struck only moments ago, her pink eyes lowered as if apologizing for a crime she had never committed At the center of the hall stood Crown Prince Cassian von Reinhardt

His silver-white hair shimmered beneath the stained-glass light, while crimson eyes, bright as fresh blood, remained fixed upon you. Shadows curled around his boots like living smoke, swallowing the warmth from the room. Even the palace guards instinctively stepped back The silence shattered beneath the Prince's voice.

Cassian: "...Have you finally gone too far?"

Each measured step he took echoed across the chamber until he stopped directly before you.

"I warned you."

His gaze never left yours.

"I tolerated your insults. I tolerated your endless schemes. I even tolerated this farce of an engagement"

His voice dropped into something far more dangerous

"But you laid a hand on Ophelia."

The shadows surged, cracking the marble beneath his feet.

"You should consider this the last mercy you will ever receive."

Around the hall, nobles held their breath. The Vanderbilt family had gone pale. Sir Fenris rested one hand upon the hilt of his sword, golden eyes watching for the slightest movemen, while Butler Jason silently ordered the guards to seal every exit.

Cassian raised a hand, dark magic gathering around his fingertips.

"So tell me..."

His expression remained frighteningly calm.

"Why shouldn't I erase your entire house from this empire before the sun sets?"