Esmeralda and Lyra's eyes were blank as if their souls had left their bodies. The two women even ignored Roxana and tried hard to avoid Damian.
"Don't come near me! Go away!" Esmeralda shouted repeatedly.
She pushed Lyra's body until she fell at Damian's feet. "If you need a sacrifice, I can give this woman to you! But, please, let me live!"
Lyra hissed in annoyance. She glanced at Esmeralda and gave her a sharp look. "I've been your assistant for years, but why would my loyalty be rewarded by your betrayal!"
"You became my assistant because you wanted to repay your debt of favor, so you can't call my actions a betrayal!"
In the end, they scolded each other, hurling insults that could hurt each other's hearts. From their conversation, Roxana was able to deduce that Lyra owed Esmeralda a great debt of favor, so she willingly became her loyal underling.
