Chapter 61: The Order of Rose

Avelina couldn't hold her silence any longer. With Lyssle sprawled on the ground in front of them, she found the situation morally disturbing. She had always had a soft spot for the meek maid who served their group.

Cutting in, low and hushed, her eyes glistening with an undercurrent of apprehension. "Mira," she ventured, "was it necessary to treat Lyssle like this? Is it humane to use someone as an object lesson? She is a servant, yes, but also a living being deserving of respect."

Elysia, picking up on the underlying accusation, tried to shut her friend up.

The fear of a confrontation with Mirabella was a present and tangible threat. Hoping to avoid the inevitable, Elysia gave Avelina a pleading look, speaking through gritted teeth, "Ave, back off. This isn't your fight. Don't challenge her."

However, Mirabella had caught onto their exchange.