Olivia and Rose vs Celestia

"NO, DON'T!"

Celestia's head snapped to the side at the sudden, desperate yell.

She blinked, then let out a low chuckle, tilting her head slightly.

"Ohhh… right. You're here too."

Her gaze settled on Olivia, the usual forced warmth gone. In its place was nothing but a chilling, cold indifference.

She had once played the role of someone kind, someone gentle because that's what he valued. Lucian loved these people, despite everything. So, she had tolerated them. Smiled at them. Held back everything she wanted to say.

But now?

Now, she saw no reason to pretend.

They didn't deserve his love.

And the best part? Lucian would never know.

He wouldn't know how she truly spoke to them, how her facade melted away the second he was out of sight.

Not that she was lying. Every single word she was about to say was the truth.

And even if, by some miracle, they dared to tell him?

Like they'd even try.