It's Too Late

Naida's smile shone with a hint of amusement, "She must have really made an impression on you for you to be this eager to get back at her."

Asher cleared his throat as he shrugged and said, "I hate to admit it, but…it is what it is. I overestimated myself."

Naida softly blinked as she said in a comforting tone, "Don't take it to heart. You are still so young, and you have never gone up against an old and shrewd one like her. That is so like Esther. Even when we were young, she always dealt with people in a way that made them feel pathetic or useless. She is so good at putting down people like that until she gets things done her way. Most of the time, she uses her strength, but against you, I suppose she couldn't do that. So she had to resort to something…simple but effective."

Asher, absorbing every word, felt an uncomfortable truth settle within him.