Jessamyn's heart raced as her eyes locked on the sharp blade in Lady Celena's hand, the deadly tip pressed against Cordelia's swollen belly. Time seemed to slow, each second more agonizing than the last.
She could see the terror in Cordelia's eyes, wide and pleading, and the malevolent glee that danced across Lady Celena's face—a twisted pleasure in the violence she held at her fingertips.
Without thinking, Jessamyn stepped forward, her voice trembling but resolute. "Stop it, Celena! Leave her alone!" she shouted, her protective instincts surging to the surface as she tried to shield Cordelia with her own body. "Cordelia, step back!" she commanded, pushing her friend behind her as if her very presence could act as a barrier between them and the sword poised to take Cordelia's life.
