She still didn't pull back or argue. It was almost like she couldn't, like she wouldn't dare fight against Aeric's touch.
"Yes," she muttered frightenedly.
"Can you say one of them?" he asked gently, no malice in his eyes, yet one would be unwise to think it wasn't intended.
Melina gulped and said, "Classless."
Aeric smirked. "Classless." he repeated. "Do I look very Classless to you now, Melina of Moonlight?"
Melina shook her head slowly. "No," he answered. "I'm really sorry, Aeric. I don't want to hate you. I don't hate you. I was just following my mother's orders. She's my... mother. You would understand if she was yours. I can't disobey her. I'm so sorry!"
Aeric looked down at the Crest on her cleavage, waiting for it to burn. But... it didn't.
She was telling the truth.
Aeric looked up at her, frowning. "If you're truly sorry, Melina. You have to prove to be worthy of my forgiveness. Will you be willing to do that?"
