Chapter 43: Rosette’s Proposal by Knife

The wind howled over the cliffs of Thornvale, high above the mist-draped valley below. Wildflowers bloomed in vibrant rebellion along the jagged stones, and birds chirped a happy tune in blissful ignorance of the mortal danger brewing atop the edge.

A quaint red-and-white checkered blanket fluttered beside a wicker picnic basket, spread neatly across a grassy patch at the edge of the precipice. Freshly baked scones sat in one corner, carefully arranged fruit slices in another. A thermos of rosehip tea puffed faint tendrils of steam into the air.

It would've been idyllic but not for the knife.

"Rosette," Rei said slowly, eyeing the blade as it gleamed like an ominous star in her gloved hand, "what a… sharp aesthetic choice for a picnic."

She smiled serenely, violet eyes glinting with something far more dangerous than sunshine.