Verena's laughter echoed through the hall, loud and almost mocking in its boisterousness.
It wasn't exactly an attempt to flatter Isolde, but more of a calculated move to throw her off balance.
After all, a woman like Isolde, dangerous and self-assured, couldn't possibly have a firm grip on her composure if she wasn't expecting a bit of mockery.
For a moment, the vice commander's eyes narrowed, and the silence that was followed by tension.
But then, just as quickly as it had arrived, Isolde's cold smile returned, the kind of smile that sent shivers down your spine if you weren't careful.
"You're a strange one, Verena," Isolde remarked, her voice smooth like honey, but with a sharp edge. "But your little jokes won't save you."
Verena tilted her head, a playful smirk still on her lips. "Oh, Isolde, you wound me! Of course, I'm not trying to save myself—this is just fun for me. Don't you know? Some of us actually enjoy a little chaos."
