Evaline:
The silence in the room had already turned brittle, sharp enough that even breathing felt dangerous.
I stood my ground in front of River, refusing to lower my gaze, my pulse thundering in my ears. But then... his eyes shifted. Slowly. Coldly. Away from me… and toward the man standing beside me.
Oscar.
I felt him stiffen next to me, the warmth of his presence suddenly coiling into tension. Still, he didn't move away. He didn't flinch.
And River... oh, he looked ready to unleash a storm.
"So that's how it is," River said, his voice low, controlled, but the kind of control that trembles under the weight of fury. "You knew what she was planning, and you went along with it. Tell me, Oscar... what exactly were you thinking when you decided that was a good idea?"
"River-" I began, but he cut me off without even looking my way.
"No, Evaline. You have said enough." His eyes stayed locked on his brother. "I'm asking him."
