Drink

Chapter One Hundred and Six

"Come on," Doni urged, his voice low but insistent. "Give me an explanation. Tell me why."

Rain's lips quivered, her breath shaky as she fought to steady herself. She knew nothing she said could ever truly justify her actions, his demand compelled her to try.

"I was trying to protect the empire from my father's ambition," she began, her voice trembling. Each word felt like a jagged stone being dragged from her throat. "I knew what he was planning. His greed, his hunger for power—it would have destroyed everything. I couldn't let that happen."

Her hands clenched into fists at her sides, and she forced herself to meet Doni's piercing gaze. "And you're right—I didn't know. If I had, I swear I wouldn't have done it." Her voice broke. "I had no intention of hurting you. It was never my goal."

Doni's expression didn't soften. If anything, his eyes grew colder, his lips curling into a bitter smirk.