471 Defining Truth - Part 2

LERRIN

As Reth continued to ask fairly benign questions, and Suhle continued to answer in halting, stilted sentences, Lerrin spoke to her through the link.

Liar, he sent.

No, she replied with a glance at Reth. I was always honest with you. I only hid how close we were.

Spy AND liar, he accused.

She shook her head and turned to answer Reth about the numbers in the encampment before the battle, the guards and their placements. Then she returned to Lerrin's gaze, but his own had gone cold. He could feel it in himself. 

Reth took a thoughtful pause, so Lerrin and Suhle had a moment uninterrupted.

Just like Asta, he growled through the link.

No, Lerrin! I never worked against you!

Liar. Pretended friend and ally. Deceiver.

Lerrin, please… Her voice in his head was soft, pleading and it tore at his heart like claws on a tender belly.