Aria's POV
Mrs. Jennifer's voice was gentle but firm, like silk over steel. "Ms. Aria, just forget her. She's done. She made a mistake and has no right to hold that position anymore."
She stepped closer, her hand brushing my shoulder.
"Thank you," I murmured, my throat tight. Around us, the other cleaning ladies were beaming, giving me thumbs-up and words of praise.
"Well done, Aria!"
"You showed them!"
Their voices buzzed like bees. I didn't feel proud. Pride was a luxury I'd long stopped indulging in. Instead, I felt a bit fearful.
If Mrs. Jennifer hadn't stepped in… if fate hadn't turned its head toward me just once… I might've been the one cuffed, humiliated and cast aside.
All I'd wanted was to survive here — to carve out a quiet corner of safety in Asterfell for me and Lana,
