The betrayal Cindy failed to see

★★★★★

Jasmine could see nothing but the relentless fury in Cindy’s eyes, a burning desire for revenge that threatened to consume them both. Struggling against her restraints, she could feel the panic rising, but she refused to let it show. "He’ll hunt you down, Cindy," Jasmine spat, her voice steady despite the growing dread in her chest. "You’ll find this world too small to hide, and trust me, your twisted intentions are worthless. You’re clinging to nothing but your own delusions."

Cindy’s face twisted in fury at Jasmine’s defiance. "You insolent—" she began, but the words choked in her throat. Her hand darted to the ground, fingers curling around a sharp piece of metal. Her breath quickened, driven by a blind rage. She raised the weapon, her eyes locked on Jasmine’s face, the hatred there almost tangible.

But before she could lunge, a firm hand seized her wrist from behind. "You’re reckless," Haedon’s voice cut through the tension, cold and commanding. "Acting on impulse will only