The name sounded both cool and dangerous. Useful too.
[Yes. All necessary for your progression to a true villainess. We are building brand consistency.]
I nodded faintly.
Understood.
[Growth mindset. I am so proud.]
Mabel's voice cut through the moment like sunlight through glass.
"Stop."
There was nothing hesitant about it. No apology for interrupting royalty, no awareness of where she stood. She spoke like the world naturally shifted to make space for her.
[As expected of the heroine.]
She looked at Lucien.
Lucien didn't question. "Stop the carriage."
The driver obeyed immediately.
Elias' hand tightened slightly around mine as the movement stalled, attention shifting outward in that quiet way he had when something unexpected happened.
Ophelia was already moving.
"Oh gods — stop, she's hurt."
She stepped down before anyone could offer assistance.
Nero sighed.
[Heroine instincts detected. Plot advancing.]
