Chapter 5 - The Actor Descends
Valeria groaned, attempting to sit up, but a sharp, terrifying pain shot up her spine.
"Who fired that shot?"
Valeria demanded, her voice shaking violently.
Before Elena could answer, a loud, panicked voice echoed from the top of the staircase.
"Valeria!"
Daniel appeared at the landing.
He was no longer holding the crossbow. He had quickly, expertly hidden the weapon in the shadows of the second floor. He rushed down the grand staircase, his handsome face twisted into a perfectly rehearsed mask of absolute terror and husbandly concern.
He dropped to his knees right beside her, violently shoving Elena out of the way.
"Are you alright? What did this crazy woman do to you?"
Daniel demanded loudly, ensuring the entire crowd heard him.
He immediately pointed an accusatory finger directly at Elena.
"You pushed her! Everyone in this room saw you do it!"
Daniel roared, attempting to immediately shift the narrative and frame the maid for his own failed assassination attempt.
Elena looked at the man she had served since he was a child, her eyes wide with absolute, horrified disbelief at his sociopathic composure.
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"You fired that arrow yourself,"
Elena stated loudly, pointing a trembling finger back at him.
