Chapter 8. Final Betrayal

Mira’s eyes narrowed, her face twisted with hatred. “You think anyone will believe you? You’re nothing but a lying thief. You’ve always been jealous of Lila… always causing trouble…”

I opened my mouth to protest, but before I could speak, strong hands grabbed me from behind. Guards. Their grips were like iron, their faces cold and merciless as they dragged me through the hallways, my body twisting as I struggled to break free.

“No! Please! I didn’t do it!” I screamed, panic flooding my veins. “I didn’t poison her! I swear!”

They threw me to the floor in the main hall, my body crashing against the cold stone. Pain shot through me, my ribs throbbing as I looked up, my vision swimming.

Kaden stood before me, his face pale with fury, his eyes blazing with anger. Lila stood beside him, tears streaming down her face as she clung to his arm, her body trembling.

“She tried to kill me!” Lila sobbed, her voice breaking. “She was always jealous… always hateful… I