Kiara did not immediately react with fury.
Instead, a quiet, cold annoyance settled over her features.
Imperial law. Noble privilege. Commoner vulnerability.
She had read enough history to know how these minor Houses behaved when unchallenged.
They assumed authority.
They assumed ownership.
They assumed immunity.
She exhaled softly. "I have a third option."
Before he could react, she said without raising her voice, "Noah, kill him."
Elder Ulric blinked once.
A dark chain materialized from the shadows near Noah's feet, forged of condensed ether and edged with a bladed tip. It pierced Elder Ulric's chest before his defensive spell could fully form.
The blade emerged from his back in a spray of blood.
His mouth opened.
No incantation followed.
He collapsed.
Kiara stood slowly.
"I was happily minding my own business and you had to irritate me...," she said calmly, stepping over the body, "It is only fair that I collect compensation for ruining my appetite."
