The vase flew through the air with a sharp whoosh, its trajectory precise and fueled by Aeliana's fury. But before it could shatter against the Duke's face, it crumbled into shards mid-air, disintegrating harmlessly against the shimmering surface of a mana barrier.
The faint glow of the barrier lingered for a moment before fading. The Duke's expression remained stoic, though his sharp gaze fixed on his daughter with an intensity that could cut stone.
Aeliana stood trembling, her chest heaving with rapid breaths. Her hands, still clutching the windowsill moments ago, now hung at her sides, fists clenched so tightly that her knuckles turned white.
"You dare—" the Duke began, his voice low and dangerous.
"I DARE!" she screamed, cutting him off with a raw, guttural cry. "I dare because you've left me with nothing else! Nothing but this cage and your cursed expectations!"