148
~Elara's POV
I spotted her almost immediately, a shadow moving against the crowd, her expression sharp, wicked. My chest tightened, not with fear, because fear was not something she could command over me, but with a surge of anger so sudden it made my blood boil.
"Lira," I said, stepping forward, voice loud enough to cut through the soft music and chatter. "How did you even get in here?"
She turned slowly, eyes glinting, lips twisting into that smug, cruel smile I knew all too well. "Oh, Elara," she scoffed, her voice dripping venom. "That's the wrong question. You should be scared. Terrified."
I laughed, the sound low and sharp. "Scared of you? Of a criminal who hides behind lies and theft? Never."
Her eyes narrowed, a flash of frustration crossing her face before it was replaced by malice. "You think you're living your life freely, enjoying everything… but you're blind. You have no idea what it costs me to watch you thrive while I…"
