Chapter 117. Illusion

Lilly’s POV

Something flickered in Sade’s eyes—conflict, pain. But it vanished as quickly as it came.

Sade sneered, “You’re bluffing. This is the house of the Goddess. You’d never disrespect her like that—”

I stepped forward, a wide smile on my lips. “Like the way you disrespect the Goddess’s wishes in her temple, forcing Lex to mate with you?” I said, my voice steady. “The Goddess does not approve of this, and she’ll forgive any blood I spill in her house.”

The guests murmured, shifting uncomfortably. Their confusion and fear were exactly what I wanted.

“You wouldn’t,” Sade taunted. “You’re weak, too compassionate—”

I gave Luke the signal. He pulled a dagger from his belt and raised it high for all to see.

Sade gasped but didn’t move.

“Lilly is not joking; she will—” Angelica sobbed, her voice trembling.

“Really, Mother?” Sade snapped. “She’s bluffing. Everyone knows she has too much compassion.”

The crowd murmured,