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.
