When They Beg, I Rise!

Asher rushed into the hallway just as Lemira was about to leave.

"Lemira, wait up!"

"If your words mean nothing, then there's no reason for me to stay," Lemira retorted, her tone icy.

Asher's expression hardened, and he forced out, "I must have misheard earlier. I thought it was you who started the fight."

If Lemira left now, what would happen with Caspian and Alaric? He couldn't afford to carry that burden.

Lemira's lips twisted into a cold smile. "Did you mishear, or did someone deliberately twist the truth?"

Asher's tone grew softer. "Does it really matter?"

"It does matter. You all love sweeping things under the rug, but I'm done with that. We need to clear this up."

Just as Lemira finished speaking, Caspian dragged Evelina into the room.

Caspian glared at Evelina. "So, what exactly did you tell Asher earlier? Repeat it."

Evelina sheepishly glanced at Asher. "Asher, I never said Lemmy hit me."

twinge of discomfort. Evelina hadn't said it outright, but her tone certainly

a moment, then addressed Lemira, "I guess I misheard.

fault, and that's on you. She's been wronged by our assumptions

was Asher, after

misled Asher, which caused all this. I

blame, Asher felt somewhat relieved. He had been irritated with her moments

her with feigned sincerity and swiftly slapped

Evelina was stunned.

it means you're admitting fault. Slapping you is

"For

you're always so ambiguous. It easily leads to misunderstandings. It's not a good habit.

feet, her voice dripping with faux

I don't want to

to do this again."

at Lemira's pleasant expression. This side of Lemira was

to

throat. "Lemira has a point. She helped you up, which shows she wants

frustration. Lemira's actions were anything but conciliatory, but with Asher's stance, she didn't