The king roared with laughter, his bloodied blade pointed at Elias.
And then—
SCHLICK!
A dagger pierced Elias's back.
The duke stiffened, his sword clattering to the ground.
Slowly, he turned his head.
Angela stood behind him, trembling, her hands slick with her father's blood.
Tears streamed down her face.
"I'm sorry, father... I had no choice. It's the only way... to save my son."
Elias's eyes widened, the realization crashing over him.
"You..." His voice cracked with betrayal. "You bitch... I'm your father—and you stab me for him?"
He staggered, coughing blood onto the ground.
"I see it now... It was all a setup."
His voice was hoarse, but full of bitter clarity.
"You—suddenly showing up at my house, playing the worried daughter... bringing Daemon straight to me... luring me into leaking everything. You were never with us."
Angela dropped the dagger, sobbing.
"I'm sorry, Father... I'm sorry... but my son... my marriage—"
