The mer finally hesitated, staring at her as if trying to decipher her words. The smile remained plastered on Esme's face, but internally, her mind raced to come up with the next distraction. She could feel the seconds ticking by, each one bringing her closer to the moment she would have to decide—stalling for the brothers, or taking matters into her own hands.
Her fingers twitched, ready to strike if the moment called for it. The mer was too close now, too focused on her. If she was going to act, she needed to be quick, but she wasn't ready to play that card just yet.
"Tell me, ," she whispered softly, keeping him engaged, "why risk everything for someone like me?"
"Are you crazy? "he muttered under his breath, his eyes narrowing. "You've been poisoned, and you're still making jokes?"
Esme shrugged, letting her hands fall from her face. "What can I say? Old habits die hard."
