A disgrace

Angelica sat still, her heart pounding hard against her chest as Sir Dominic's words echoed in her mind. She had promised Silas that she would protect his secret, no matter what. But right now, it felt like her anxious face would give everything away.

"I have no idea what you're talking about, Sir," she finally said, her voice low and shaky.

"Come on, Angelica. We both know I'm right," Sir Dominic replied, his voice calm but firm. "Why are you still pretending? I've already told you I don't want to hurt him. The academy just wants to help. Why are you keeping this secret from me?"

"I already told you, Sir. I don't know what you're talking about. Silas is just a boy with no active skill slot. He didn't do those things you're accusing him of. He's innocent. You really think I wouldn't know if he had that kind of power? If he did, I would have told you already," she said, finally finding enough courage to speak without stammering.