Suddenly, Sevette slowed her steps just enough to fall half a pace behind Cornelia, her expression polite, composed, almost deferential. Her voice cut through the corridor, clear and smooth.
"Sister Cornelia, may I talk to your husband?"
The words landed softly, but the effect was fast.
Cornelia stopped.
Not abruptly, not dramatically. She simply halted, heels aligned, posture straight, and turned her head slightly to the side. Her gaze moved to Sevette without warmth, without curiosity, stripped down to pure assessment.
"What for?" Cornelia asked.
Her tone was flat and heavy. Even though it consisted of just two words, it was enough to cause a stir in their already tense atmosphere.
However, Sevette only smiled, completely unfazed to her aura. "To discuss what happened earlier. After all, he beat up Vance. A Viscount Vampire of noble blood. It's not a small matter."
Cornelia's eyes narrowed by a fraction of a second before answering.
"He insulted my family," she said.
