Riya's eyes flew wide with panic. She tried to jerk up from the chair, but Zara forced her back down.
"Don't even think about moving," Zara warned. "One twitch, and this pencil goes straight through your throat."
Riya froze instantly, terror locking her in place. "Th-this is a crime," she stammered. "You can't just attack people."
"Why not?" Zara shot back. "You did. You nearly killed the woman who raised you like her own. You feel no guilt—so why should I? I'm simply delivering justice. That's not a crime at all."
She pressed the pencil tip harder against Riya's skin.
Riya's breath hitched. "You are crazy," she hissed. "You want to become a murderer? The police won't let you go. And Nathaniel—he'll never forgive this."
"Nathaniel and I are over," Zara said coldly. "I don't care what he thinks anymore. As for the cops… I have a dozen ways to prove you attacked me first."
