Arthur's steps halted.
Mid-stride—
He stopped walking completely.
The tension in the hall twisted, focusing on that single, frozen moment.
His back was straight.
His shoulders relaxed.
But his eyes—
Had turned darker.
Colder.
Sakura noticed it immediately.
A slow smile spread across her lips.
"Oh?" she said softly. "Worried now? Where did all of your confidence go?"
Her tone carried a faint mockery—
Like a predator amused by its prey finally realizing the danger.
Arthur lifted his gaze toward her.
For a brief second—
Silence.
Then he spoke, his voice calm.
"Okay," he said, "before you do something rash… I just want to ask you one thing."
Sakura arched an eyebrow.
"And what will that be?" she replied. "You don't want to beg us to spare her life or something, right?"
Arthur's lips twitched.
Instead of answering directly, he tilted his head slightly.
"Just call your soon-to-be husband, James," he said, "and see if he's picking up your calls or not."
