A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust by Sally Garcia

She was sobbing, and not in a quiet, dignified way. This was full-on, ugly crying.

Lisette thought that if she broke down like this, the others would rally around her, maybe plead her case or at least yell at Calliope for being so harsh. After all, hadn't everyone always taken her side over the years?

But this time, nobody came to her rescue. All she got were nervous glances and people instinctively stepping back, as if her tears might be contagious.

It was a long, awkward moment before Monty finally spoke up.

"Lisette, look, Callie's put up with a lot from you before. I don't think there's any need for anyone to die here, but if you're uncomfortable living with Callie, maybe you should be the one to move out."

As soon as Monty finished, Horatio and the others nodded in quiet agreement. Even Zelda gave a hesitant nod.

To be honest, Zelda was pretty freaked out. What if Silas was right, and whatever Lisette had was actually contagious? If any of them caught it, they'd be screwed. So for now, the best plan was to get her out of the house.

Lisette never expected this. She stared at them, stunned. But then she quickly snapped back.

"If I move out, Callie still won't leave me alone! She wants me dead, doesn't she? She'd only be happy if I was gone for good!"

She turned to Calliope, desperate, almost accusing.

every bit the king

that Lisette would actually go through with anything drastic. Neither

kind of person who threatened, not acted. She was just trying to guilt-trip

care? Honestly, not even a

you're asking, yeah, I'd be

were gone," Calliope said a shrug,

commenting on the wear

"Go

Let's see you

could Calliope sound so...casual? So cold? Was she really

turning to

was heavy, everyone feeling a strange mix of discomfort and

dared to contradict Calliope. Instead, Monty tried to reason

enough drama," he said tiredly. "If you can't stand it

eyes were red, brimming with tears. "You just

she bolted for the stairs, her footsteps echoing down the hall. "What's