Poison Maiden (2)

'Have I not offered enough?' Elara questioned inwardly, her mind reeling for more leverage.

With a surge of resolve, she added, "I—I pledge to serve you for a year! Just assist me in finding the Lord!" Her gaze flickered with complexity, trying to read the enigma before her.

"..."

Wang Xiao remained silent, his stoic facade betraying none of his thoughts.

Elara pondered in dismay, 'How was he immune to my poison?' A question mirrored in Aurora's equally perplexed look.

Then, breaking the heavy silence, Wang Xiao extended his hand. Elara, misreading the gesture as a sign of accord, reflexively brightened with a relieved smile and reached out.

But the smile shattered as swiftly as it had formed.

Pakh!

A sharp crack echoed as Wang Xiao's hand met Elara's cheek rather than her outstretched hand, sending her reeling several feet away.

Bang!