The observation balcony above the chamber stirred with voices.
Vivienne stood at the front, her arms folded, her expression unreadable. Her crimson hair shimmered faintly under the sterile light, her gaze locked firmly on Merlin.
Sophia exhaled beside her. "…He didn't strike her down."
Reinhardt's voice was low. "He could've. Easily. But he chose not to."
Vivienne's lips pressed into the faintest line, though whether it was irritation or pride, no one could tell. Her eyes lingered not on Elara, but on Merlin, as though weighing something in silence.
Behind them, Morgana leaned against the glass railing, her long black coat draped elegantly around her frame. Her crimson eyes glowed faintly, a predator's amusement dancing in their depths.
"…He hesitated," she said softly.
Sophia frowned. "That wasn't hesitation. That was mercy."
Morgana's lips curved. "Mercy… or attachment?"
The room fell quiet at that, but Morgana's smirk only deepened.
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