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."

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

paused for a moment, then addressed Lemira, "I guess I

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

expression was reluctant. He was Asher, after

I misled Asher, which caused all this. I should be the one

Asher felt somewhat relieved. He had been irritated with

"two-faced" girl approached her with feigned sincerity and

Evelina was stunned.

"Since you're apologizing, it means you're admitting fault. Slapping you is

"For my

not a

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

don't want to

to do this again."

shivered at Lemira's pleasant expression. This side of Lemira was even more

quickly turned to Asher for

She helped you up, which shows she wants to get

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