SOULBOUND: THE ABYSS WITHIN

Chapter 72: Storm Warning

The serenity of the Hawthorne Estate was shattered as a booming voice echoed across the grand courtyard, startling staff, guards, and guests alike.

"MICHELLE HAWTHORNE!"

A gust of violet-tinged aura exploded against the decorative gates as Muna Ikemba forced them open with raw force, striding in without so much as a formal request for entry. Her boots clacked violently on the polished stone path, her coat flaring behind her like the wings of a descending storm hawk. Servants scrambled out of her way.

"Michelle! Get your entitled, soul-damaged daughter out here before I level this glass mansion myself!"

Guards moved instinctively to intercept her—only to be waved off hastily by a butler in navy robes who recognized her immediately.

"L-Lady Muna, please—this is—"

"I'm not here for tea, I'm here for answers!"

The estate doors swung open just as she reached the main hall. Standing with perfect poise at the top of the marble steps was Michelle Hawthorne—regal, composed, and every bit the diplomat her lineage demanded. Clad in a deep sapphire gown, her presence radiated the calm of cold water in contrast to Muna's volcanic wrath.

"Muna," she said coolly, "I assume this unexpected visit is about Mira?"

"Damn right it is!" Muna barked. "She forced herself on my daughter. My child. Tried to play knight and seducer in the same breath. You better start explaining before I lose what little composure I'm pretending to have!"

Michelle's face didn't flicker. "I've been made aware. Mira… acted impulsively."

"Impulsively? You think this is some teenage crush gone wrong?!" Muna advanced, jabbing a finger forward. "She broke into Cassandra's space and tried to claim her like she was a prize. She crossed every boundary and now she's stalking her. You want to call that 'impulsive'?!"

"I did not say it was excusable," Michelle said, voice still eerily calm. "Only that I am handling it."

"Not good enough!" Muna shouted. "Your daughter disrespected mine—and you know damn well how close that line came to being criminal. If Cassandra hadn't pushed her back, we wouldn't be having this conversation. I'd be dragging Mira by the collar to the Council Hall myself."

Michelle's expression hardened slightly, a subtle twitch at the corner of her eye. "Do not presume my inaction is weakness, Muna. I've reprimanded Mira in private, and she has been suspended from the Soul Board until further notice."

Muna stopped short.

"You... actually did something about it?"

Michelle gave a nod, still formal. "I am not blind. Nor indulgent. Mira's obsession will be dealt with—properly and internally."

Muna's shoulders rose and fell with her deep breathing. The aura around her still pulsed like a restless tide, but the flames were lowering, even if begrudgingly.

"Hmph. And what if she tries again?" she asked darkly.

"She won't."

"You sure?"

"I don't make empty promises, Muna. You know that."

A tense silence held for a few seconds. Then:

"I still want a public apology."

Michelle lifted her chin. "Cassandra will have it. In the academy, not in the press."

"Fine." Muna cracked her neck. "But one more incident, Michelle, and I won't be the one using words."

Michelle's cold stare met Muna's burning eyes. "Neither will I."

The air between them seemed to warp under the weight of clashing wills—two high-caliber Soulbornes from rival ideologies and clashing maternal instincts. The only thing stronger than their power was their pride.

Finally, Muna turned away with a scoff. "Don't let me come back here again."

Michelle didn't answer.

As Muna stormed out the same way she came in, servants exhaled in relief, guards relaxed slightly, and the atmosphere slowly returned to its unnatural stillness.

High above, from a quiet balcony, Mira Hawthorne stood watching.

Her fists clenched at her sides.

Her obsession wasn't over.

But for now… it was silenced.