Eiravyne felt a surge of indignation. "I didn't know," she said, her voice trembling with emotion. "I had no idea about any of this. My parents n-never..."
Ilkar's eyes remained cold. "Is that what you want me to believe? That you were completely unaware of your family's machinations? That you had no idea you were being groomed for this?"
She stood up, her fists clenched at her sides. "Yes, that's exactly what I want you to believe because it's the truth! I was kept in the dark, manipulated just as much as anyone else. I had no control over any of it."
Ilkar stepped closer, his presence imposing as he loomed over her.
Eiravyne stood her ground, refusing to waver. She had been accused unjustly too many times and was determined not to be blamed for things she didn't do.
Ilkar's face twisted into a strange smile, a mix of mockery and something darker.
