Lily’s lips parted—then closed again.
She bit down, lowering her head in silence.
Exactly like three years ago.
A cold laugh slipped from me, sharp and mocking, slicing the air like a blade.
So ridiculous.
Her so-called apology just moments ago was the same—false, hollow, utterly devoid of sincerity.
Her shoulders trembled, her cheap tears spilling without end.
Liam couldn’t scold her, and he couldn’t blame me, the one who had nearly frozen to death saving her.
So all his fury turned on Laural.
“Get out! Take your punishment! Striking another deserves the lash of the Silver Whip!”
I turned toward Laural.
Her chin was set, defiant in a way that made my chest ache. She hadn’t done a single thing wrong, but she was ready to accept punishment—only so I wouldn’t be forced to.
“Stop.
