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."

said it outright, but her tone

a moment, then addressed Lemira, "I

apologize to Lemira," Lucian interjected, stepping in. "You assumed Lemira was at fault,

Asher, after all. Apologizing wasn't in his

my fault. I misled Asher,

blame, Asher felt somewhat relieved. He had been

as the "two-faced" girl approached her with feigned sincerity and swiftly slapped her across the

Evelina was stunned.

rubbed her wrist. "Since you're apologizing, it means you're

screamed, "For

It's not a good habit. I'm just helping

her feet, her voice dripping with faux kindness. "Try not

don't

to do this again."

Lemira's pleasant expression. This side of Lemira was even more unnerving. What was

quickly turned to Asher for

She helped you

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