Zephyr said, "Aspen, you've barely been in Jayrodale for any time at all, and you've already become this cowardly? So scared to take action? You've truly disappointed me. And worse, you've disgraced the entire Stevens family!"

Tears streamed down Aspen's face. Her father's words cut her deeply, filling her with shame and despair. As someone who had always been proud and arrogant, her greatest fear was disappointing her family.

Yet, more than that, she was terrified—terrified that Zephyr, bli