"William, don't give your uncle the cold shoulder like this."

Isabella's plea caught everyone off guard, but the subtle twinkle in her eyes didn't escape William.

"What's your plan, then?" he asked, arching an eyebrow.

"Considering the gravity of his offense, there's no way he gets off easy. Let's kick things off with silver lashes, then move on to wolfbane. What do you think?" she asked, her eyes gleaming wickedly as she glanced at Jack.

"Works for me," William said, bringing a triumphant grin to everyone's face.

"No, please don't do this..." Jack shouted in desperation, his hands clasped together in a pleading gesture.

Everyone turned to look at him,...