It's My Choice

The pointed question hung heavily in the air, casting an invisible weight upon the gathering crowd. 

Merina, her fingers still firmly gripping Isola's forearm, met Vespera's gaze without flinching. 

With a thinly veiled derision, she retorted, "Master Asher is alive and well. We will reunite soon," She knew this woman was purposefully trying to stir trouble for them by asking such a question aloud and so she also made sure to answer loudly.

Vespera's chuckle echoed, a chilling sound that left no warmth in its wake, "Oh, my apologies. I didn't realize the Bloodburn Consort's pet was right here," she said, the words laced with scorn as her eyes flickered to Merina, a contemptuous glint twinkling in their depths.