Before anything could happen—
A new presence entered the space.
Quiet.
Controlled.
Dominant.
"…That won't be necessary."
Lyra.
The room shifted instantly.
The rival froze slightly—not out of fear, but recognition.
"…Lady Velmora," he said carefully.
Lyra stepped forward, her gaze cold but composed.
"You've made your point."
A pause.
"…Now leave."
The authority in her voice wasn't loud.
But it was absolute.
The rival hesitated.
Then exhaled slowly.
"…This isn't over."
"No," Lyra replied.
"…It isn't."
But the meaning was clear.
This encounter—
Was finished.
The rival turned and left.
Silence followed.
Then Kael let out a long breath.
"…Yeah… I'm starting to like this partnership."
Andres didn't respond.
His eyes remained on Lyra.
Because now—
Things had changed again.