Shame On Her

"Fuck," Islinda muttered under her breath, cursing her own forgetfulness. Aldric's cunning and his ability to hold onto every advantage never ceased to amaze her.

Valerie's sharp gaze bore into Islinda, disappointment evident in his eyes as he sought confirmation. "Is that true?" he asked, his voice tinged with a mixture of frustration and disbelief. She should have known better than to make a deal with him. 

"It's true," Islinda confirmed, her voice barely above a whisper, her head bowed in shame.

Aldric's smirk widened, his satisfaction evident as he reveled in his victory. "See? I can't lie," he boasted, his arrogance palpable.