Choice? Die or Give up

Rather than what the crowd expected rage, cold threats, or a violent outburst Nova's reaction was something entirely different.

Instead, she let out a long, deep sigh. The kind of sigh that carried not just frustration, but exhaustion, as if she were tired of all this nonsense. She didn't even try to hide it.

Yes, she was angry. Furious, in fact. His words had stung more than she'd ever admit, especially the way he'd dismissed her so easily calling her "woman" as if she were some stranger, no trace of respect left. But Nova, ever the master of restraint, controlled herself. She could see it clearly: Razeal wasn't thinking straight. His emotions had overtaken him, and he was flailing in his anger.

He's still a kid, she reminded herself. A kid lost in his own storm.

Her voice was firm, no longer biting just direct. Not wanting to accept his mistake.