Lara enters the ballroom between Black, Pepper, and Sage. Every eye turns. Whispers spread instantly. “She’s with all three of them…?” “That’s impossible…” “No one survives that dynamic…” Scythe is already watching from across the hall. Still Silent Dangerous. Black leans slightly toward Lara: “Stay close tonight.” Pepper smiles beside her: “Or don’t. It’s more fun that way.” Sage adjusts her gloves calmly: “Don’t cause problems.” And then— Scythe moves. Slow. Controlled. Straight toward them. The music continues, but it feels wrong now. Like it’s being ignored. He stops directly in front of Lara. No greeting. No acknowledgment of the others. Just her. His voice is low: “So this is her… the infamous Queen of the Mantrian system…” A pause. Then colder: “You’re what they’re all risking the family for?” Black’s posture tightens slightly. Pepper’s smile fades. Sage doesn’t move at all. Wheatley, from across the room, quietly closes a book Scythe takes one step closer to you* The chandelier light catches his expression—sharp, restrained anger. “I want you to answer something,” he says. “Why are you the one thing they won’t let go of?” The entire ballroom is watching now. Even the music feels like it’s waiting..