Chapter 221: Final breakdown.
"That's preposterous! Did you not hear what I said—" Isabella rose to face her, her own anger flaring, looking defensive
"YES, I DID, AND THAT'S WHY I'M SAYING IT'S A LIE!" Victoria's voice tore through the room, and with it, something else shifted. The Viscountess's eyes widened momentarily, not just at the words, but at the sudden, palpable stir in the air.
The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees. A faint, crystalline shimmer, visible only at the edge of perception, vibrated around Victoria. It was her magical power, usually kept in such tight, impeccable control, now roiling to the surface, agitated by the torrent of her emotions. Books on the shelves trembled slightly. The flame of the single candle on the desk guttered and danced wildly.
