His eyes were filled with nothing but disappointment and anger.
"Apologize."
I raised my hand slowly, pressing it against my cheek as the pain throbbed beneath my skin.
Then I lifted my head.
And that was when I saw it.
The faint curve at the corner of Liliana's lips. Her thumbnail grazed the edge of her lower lip, barely perceptible.
Subtle.
But unmistakable.
A small, fleeting smile.
Triumphant.
Something inside me went quiet.
Completely quiet.
My thumb found the silver rosary bracelet at my wrist, turned the smallest bead once, then let it fall.
I didn't feel the urge to explain. I didn't feel the need to defend myself anymore. What was the point?
No one here would believe me.
No one ever had.
I straightened, meeting Dante's gaze directly.
"I'm sorry," I said calmly. "It was my fault."
My voice didn't waver.
Then I looked around at all of them.
"Well?" I added, almost lightly. "Are you all satisfied now?"
No one spoke.
I didn't wait for an answer.
I turned and walked away.
Behind me, Dante's expression faltered for a brief second. His lips parted slightly, as if he wanted to say something, but the words never came.
I didn't look back.