Alex's shock gave way to a burning anger, his hands trembling as they gripped the edge of the table.
Sylra shot to her feet, her chair scraping loudly against the floor, her face a mask of indignation. "Vaelen, you can't just throw accusations like that without proof!" she snapped, her voice cutting through the murmurs like a whip.
Her hands were planted on her hips, her posture defiant as she glared at Vaelen, who stood a few tables away, his smirk infuriatingly calm. "You're stirring up trouble for no reason, and it's not fair!"
Bastian, still standing protectively in front of Alex, nodded vigorously, his usual grin replaced by a scowl. "Yeah, what she said!" he added, his voice loud enough to carry over the crowd. "You can't just point fingers and expect everyone to believe you. Where's your evidence, Vaelen? Or are you just trying to look important?"
