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.

was sitting next to Silas, who looked every bit the king of the

didn't believe for a second that Lisette would actually go through with

of person who threatened, not acted. She was

care? Honestly,

asking, yeah,

said a shrug, sounding

commenting on the wear

"Go

Let's see you

at her in disbelief. How could Calliope sound so...casual? So cold?

shocked, turning to look at Calliope like

heavy, everyone feeling a strange mix of discomfort and

dared to contradict Calliope. Instead, Monty tried to reason with

that's enough drama," he said tiredly. "If you can't stand it here, just move

with tears. "You just

footsteps echoing down the