"Oh, but don't feel too ashamed."
Noah continued, an ice shard materializing in his hand, its jagged edge glinting in the light as he held it dangerously close to the boy's neck.
"After all, someone in your position has to make sacrifices, right?
Though, I could make you a better offer—end it here, slowly, painfully…
Imagine how much it'd spare you.
No more pretending. No more shame."
The boy's defiance melted into fear, and he swallowed hard, his voice barely a whisper.
"I… I'm sorry."
Noah sneered, letting the ice shard dissolve.
"Then keep your mouth shut."
He turned his back, satisfied, and addressed the crowd once more.
"Consider this your only warning.
If any of you dare bother Ariana about this nonsense, I'll take it as a personal offense.
And trust me when I say, I don't handle offenses kindly."
The group fell silent, too stunned to argue or protest as Noah turned back toward his room.
