[A/N: A lot of character progression for Emily in these chapters, but also a lot of BDSM focussed smut, so be warned. Honestly, it ran a little longer than I originally planned. If you just care about the progression, chapters 72 and 73 will be the most important.]
Before he could answer, Emily's protective instinct kicked in. She vehemently shook her head, "Absolutely not! Emily, that guy was a second-rank Runebound with an ability that incorporated both speed and some sort of camouflage. There is nothing you could have done.
I deserve whatever punishment he has in mind, and some discipline training might even be good for me, but you don't need or deserve any of that!"
Emma smiled warmly at her sister but shook her head, "No, Big Em. Back in Kirkenes, we promised each other to start over. You don't have to protect me from this. No matter what, I will share both responsibility and punishment."
