Tears and Defiance

Darius rose to leave. Reginald and Clarissa accompanied him all the way to the gate, only straightening up after watching his carriage disappear into the distance.

Reginald's sharp, commanding gaze swept across everyone present, and he barked, "All of you, come here!"

The crowd followed behind him, while Ophelia nervously glanced at Rosalind. To her surprise, Rosalind's expression remained calm, a