The crystal chandelier rained glass as Orchid's fury exploded. She hurled the wine glass, fury etched on her face, the goblet shattering against Lear's cheek in a crimson spray. He recoiled, not from the sting but from the raw emotion in her eyes.
"You monster!" she screamed, her voice cracking with grief and rage. "Daisy… what have you done to her?"
Lear, face contorted in a snarl, lunged. His fist, imbued with shadowy tendrils, aimed for her heart. But a silver blur intervened. Aurelia, wings blazing emerald, intercepted the blow, her talons tearing through the shadows, leaving jagged scars on Lear's skin.
The chamber erupted in chaos. Falcon, a feathered whirlwind, dived from above, talons extended. Lear, agile despite his rage, deflected the attack, a blast of dark energy sending Falcon crashing against the opulent table. The chamber splintered, crystal scattered like glittering rain.
