The Devil's Game 1

ame, her arms crossed in that hau

dress tailored to perfection, every

nd with an aura of depression she couldn

her feel small without even trying -

tood; Ayra did not

your style, little sis," Lisbeth began

mpt to look presentable. But I suppose i

ists, the nails bit

d. Don't give her anything. She's waiti

d waltzed into the room like she owned it-like she owned everything-and cast

ne grating. "I would've thought Daddy would gi

s suit you, doesn't it?

rned t

u'd gotten it in the end after all. Does

to a huge spat concerning the

iven the room overlooking the lake but it was ages ago.

itted teeth, her fingers curling tightly around t

r eyes curling, and tilted her

tragic about you, Ayra. No spark, no flair. Just this... dull little e

, it's a

dow, peering through the bars

alk, you know. It's almost impressive, really. How does someone so, ah,

her burgeoning despair giving way to rage under Lisbeth's proddi

h, don't be so dramatic. You've never had the spi

glare. "Though I must say, you're doing an impressiv

refused to show it. Instead, she gla

a lot when she w

. "Why do you remain here, Lisbeth?" Ayra asked shar

t torment others. Only you," Lisbeth replied, feigning

I prefer to think of it as... enlightening. Someone has to gi

d. "And what reality i

't suit you." Lisbeth's tone t

... expendable. Honestly, it's a wonder you've lasted this long. The marri

d Ayra shot to her feet, her anger b

ll you've ever done is tear me down to make yourself

tered, her eyes narrowing, but she recovered quickly, blinki

temper,"

s yourself further. Or do you think Lucian w

name. That hesitation-barely a se

dropping to a whisper that was

ter this way. Angry. Desperate. I

r sides. She fought to rein in her fury, refusing to gi

y, trying to keep her voice ste

y fun in fact." Lisbeth's shrug wa

ending marriage. Never knew you'd be able

bout?" Ayra asked, genuinely bewilde

y from the window. "I didn't think you'd ac

with a stubborn

widened as she s

in ensuring this little arrangement came to fruition. Do trust me; it wasn