"Now, Galaad," Damaris began in a firm but measured voice, "I want you to tell me how I ended up here."
Her question was not really a request, but a demand. She tilted her head slightly, as if to scrutinize Galaad's every reaction.
Silence settled between them, heavy and laden with tension. Galaad remained motionless, his eyes hidden behind his glasses, staring at Damaris with an inscrutable expression. Finally, after a moment of reflection, he took a deep breath. He wiped the red streak running down his nose and began to smile, an enigmatic smile that made Damaris frown. He straightened slightly, adopting a more formal posture.
"You know," he began in a light tone, "I still don't understand why Valeria had such an ideology of you that she would sacrifice herself to save your life. You, who have eyes only for power and yourself."
