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."

it outright, but her tone certainly implied

moment, then addressed Lemira,

misheard, you should apologize to Lemira," Lucian interjected, stepping in. "You assumed Lemira was at fault, and that's on you. She's been wronged by our assumptions before, and we can't let it

He was Asher, after all. Apologizing wasn't

Evelina quickly added, "It's really my fault. I misled Asher, which caused all this. I should be the one to

blame, Asher felt somewhat relieved. He had been

the "two-faced" girl approached her with feigned

Evelina was stunned.

means you're

"For

ambiguous. It easily leads to misunderstandings. It's not a good habit.

back to her feet, her voice dripping with faux kindness. "Try

I don't want

to do this again."

pleasant expression. This side of Lemira was even more unnerving.

turned to Asher

a point. She helped you up, which shows she wants

exploded with frustration. Lemira's actions were anything but conciliatory, but