CHAPTER FIFTY TWO

ALIRA'S POV

The room went completely silent after Betsy’s words.

“If you know what’s best for you, Alec, you better not tell Alira the reason I was at your house.”

I didn’t move.

I didn’t speak.

I simply stared at Alec.

His face drained of every last bit of color. His lips trembled slightly, his injured eye twitching as if it was reacting to his fear instead of pain.

On the phone, Betsy was breathing hard, clearly unaware that she had just sealed her own fate.

I tilted my head slowly, my fingers tightening around the edge of the table.

“Reason?” I repeated softly.

Alec swallowed.

“Alira, she didn’t mean it like that…”

I raised a hand, stopping him instantly.

“Shhh,” I said calmly.

“Let her talk.”

I leaned closer to the phone and spoke sweetly, almost gently.

“Betsy,” I said.

“I’m right here.”

There was a pause.

Then silence.

And then….panic.

“Alira?” she said slowly.

“You… you’re with him?”

“Yes,” I replied.

“I am.”

A sharp inhale came through the speaker.

“You’re… you’re at Ale