Sarai, who had been sobbing quietly, lifted her head, her green eyes flickering with a mix of hope and confusion. "Bianca... is that true? You did this to protect me? You finally gave into Mirabel's wicked demands just because of me?"
Bianca shot her a quick, reassuring glance. "Of course, sis. I'd never drag you into my messes. We're two peas in a pod, remember? But this witch—" she jerked her chin toward Mirabel—"she's the root of it all."
Mirabel exploded, her voice rising to a shrill pitch that echoed off the walls. "Liar! You're a big, fat liar, Bianca Monroe! How dare you paint me as the villain when you and your scheming sister came crawling to me first!"
Charles, who had been silent, nursing his wounds, finally interjected, his voice weak but laced with weary disbelief. "Mirabel, for God's sake, enough with the theatrics. If there's proof, let's see it. This bickering is getting us nowhere—except maybe six feet under."
