If Alice listens to Emma—if she takes her side—that's it. There won't be a second chance.
Still, charging straight at Alice right now would be foolish. I can't just force myself closer when she's already pushed me away.
She told me to get lost—wrapped in the politeness of nobility, of course, but the meaning was clear.
"I should keep my distance from Alice for now."
The seed of doubt is already planted in her mind. Trying to defend myself directly will only water it. Words from me would sound like excuses, no matter how true.
But that doesn't mean I'll stay silent and swallow this humiliation.
"I can always borrow someone else's mouth."
Amelia Frost. She's already showing signs of trusting me, and Alice trusts her. If I can move Amelia, then Alice will hear what I want her to hear—from a voice she won't doubt.
So I'll let Amelia handle the front, while I take care of the root of this problem: Emma Voss.
