"How dare you, you good-for-nothing girl, talk back to your father like that!" King Alden roared, his voice booming with such intensity that the walls seemed to tremble. His hand, still raised from the slap, clenched into a tight fist as if he was struggling to contain his fury.
Aria's breath hitched. Her wide eyes darted to the table, where the rest of her family sat in silence, their expressions varying from smug satisfaction to amused detachment. Her humiliation burned hotter than the sting on her cheek. She felt as though the entire room was closing in on her, suffocating her under the weight of their judging gazes.
"I-I'm sorry, Father," she stuttered, her voice cracking as she lowered her head in submission. Tears streamed freely down her face, but she dared not wipe them away. "I didn't mean—"
