TEA

WITH just one phrase, Wulfric felt his entire body freeze. It was as if Aster's mother was silently demanding, 'Why didn't you beat him senseless?' Was she really expecting Gage to leave him battered and bruised? No—why was he even questioning it? The answer was glaringly obvious: of course, she did. She probably wanted him bloodied.

 That first impression must have completely shattered his image in her eyes. He regretted how he had acted back then—like a complete jerk, entitled and brash. If he'd just behaved more like a decent person, maybe things would be different now. Maybe Aster's mother wouldn't be so fiercely against him. If he could go back, he'd handle things with more care, show respect, and prove he wasn't the person she still thought he was.