Just when I thought my words had swayed her and she might release me, she blurted out, “If you leave the witch n, we can ensure Andrew and Shirley marry.


    Once they’re married, he’ll fall for her eventually.


    Andrew is highly regarded by our leader.


    With Shirley by his side, they are sure to lead the witch n effectively.


    For their personal benefit and for the n’s future, I truly believe Andrew and Shirley are a perfect match.


    ”


    Debra’s POV:


    Hearing this, I couldn’t suppress a sneer and retorted with biting sarcasm, “Your n sounds wonderful.


    How thoughtful of you.


    But have you spared a thought for Andrew’s feelings?”


    Addy fell silent once more.


    I pressed her further, “Is Andrew expected to sacrifice everything for Shirley, for the n leader, for the entire witch n? After all the dangerous tasks he’s undertaken for the n in his life, now you expect him to give up his marriage too? What does he owe the witch n, exactly?”


    Taking a deep breath, I was overwhelmed by the injustice of it all.


    I looked into Addy’s eyes and said, “Just because he’s capable, you treat him as if he’s just a tool, devoid of feelings.


    Is he supposed to do whatever the leader dictates for the rest of his life?”


    ‘s BunnyBookery


    Addy, confronted with my pointed questions, looked guilty, yet her stance remained unyielding.


    Her expression darkened.


    “Don’t stir up trouble where there is none.


    We’ve never exploited Andrew.


    It’s his duty to protect the witch n.


    Everything he’s done was of his own free will.


    ”


    I let out a scornfulugh.


    “Oh sure, Andrew was always ready toy everything on the line for the n, and you’ve always taken his willingness for granted.


    Now that he’s resisting what you want, you’re upset with him.


    ”


    Addy, unable to keep up her usual poised and cold demeanor, burst out angrily, her secret fearsid bare.


    “What do you know? A selfish, foolish mixed-blood bastard like you couldn’t possibly understand the honor of the whole witch n!”


    “The honor of the witch n?” The idea seemed even more absurd to me.


    “Is your n’s honor really upheld by sacrificing Andrew? Without him, will the witch n cease to exist?”


    Addy shouted back furiously, “You’re an enchantress! Andrew has fallen under your spell.


    Once he regains his senses, he’ll agree to marry Shirley for the good of our entire n.


    We, the people of the witch n, are prepared to sacrifice everything for its betterment!”


    I gazed at Addy with bewilderment.


    Once she had settled a bit, I ventured cautiously, “Addy, have you been brainwashed? I thought the whole point of supporting the n was to improve our lives.


    Only the deluded or brainwashed would sacrifice themselvespletely for the n.


    ”


    Flushed with rage, Addy snapped, “You’re truly malevolent.


    Andrew has been deceived by you.


    ”


    Debra’s POV:


    After finishing my piece, I walked away, leaving Addy behind without a backward nce.


    Stepping out of the room, I was greeted by Andrew’s worried expression.


    The moment he caught sight of me, relief flickered across his face.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    He hurried over, clutching my hand tightly, his voice tinged with anxiety.


    “Are you alright? Did Addy give you a hard time? Are you hurt?”


    I offered him a reassuring smile and shook my head.


    “I’m okay, Andrew.


    No need to worry so much.


    ”


    Despite my words, Andrew’s eyes scanned me from head to toe, searching for any sign of harm.


    His protective instincts were palpable as he asserted “Don’t be scared.


    I’m here now, and I won’t let anyone harm you.


    ”


    His earnest concern brought a helpless smile to my face, and I met his gaze.


    “Really, calm down.


    I’m perfectly fine.


    I’m not someone who can be easily bullied.


    I didn’t let Addy push me around.


    ”


    At my words, a wave of relief washed over Andrew.


    He managed a sheepish grin and apologized, “I guess I overreacted.


    When the bodyguard told me Addy’s people had taken you away, I feared the worst.


    Sorry for being so anxious.


    ”


    With that, he finally released my hand, his worry slowly fading.


    As I eyed Andrew’s bandaged arm, I couldn’t help but blurt out, “You should be more concerned about yourself rather than me.


    Your wound hasn’t even healed; how can you be running around?”