Consequence

Julia stepped forward, her voice steady yet pleading. "Father, it's okay," she said. "Julian didn't mean to do that. We were just exchanging moves, and I was the one who became overconfident, thinking I could take him."

Her words hung in the air, a fragile bridge attempting to mend the tension. She looked at Julian, her eyes softening, as if to convey her understanding. "It was all in good fun. I underestimated his power, and now we know better."

Julia's calm demeanor seemed to diffuse some of the anger in the room, her father's expression softening slightly as he considered her words.

Duke Ethwer's gaze bore into Julian, a mix of warning and authority in his voice.

"You better be careful, boy. Recklessness gets you nowhere," he said, his tone firm yet measured.

The weight of his words settled in the air, a reminder of the fine line between confidence and overreach. "This is not just a game. Lives are at stake."