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

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

expression was reluctant. He was Asher, after all.

hesitation, Evelina quickly added, "It's really my fault. I misled Asher, which caused

Asher felt somewhat relieved.

girl approached her with feigned sincerity and swiftly slapped her across

Evelina was stunned.

apologizing, it means you're admitting fault. Slapping

"For my

not a good habit. I'm just helping

Evelina back to her feet, her voice dripping with

don't want

to do this again."

pleasant expression. This side of Lemira was even more unnerving. What was this woman up

quickly turned to Asher for support.

has a point. She helped you up, which

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