The Villianess's Story [4]

"But I thought I was stronger back then," Liora said softly, her eyes narrowing as she continued to stare at Veda. "I thought I was smarter. I thought my hatred would fuel me, make me sharper, colder. I believed I could outplay you, trick you into thinking I had forgiven you. That I could live with this emptiness inside me and bide my time. But I was wrong..."

Liora let out a bitter chuckle, devoid of humor, her expression hardening. "I didn't realize that you had already figured it out—that you knew about my hatred long before I ever thought I had hidden it. You watched me all this time, pretending I was still your obedient student. Letting me go deeper, letting me sink further into this darkness."

Veda's breath grew rapid, her throat tightening in desperation.

She opened her mouth, but no words came at first.