Just when I thought my words had swayed her and she might release me, she blurted out, âIf you leave the witch clan, we can ensure Andrew and Shirley marry.
Once theyâre married, heâll fall for her eventually.
Andrew is highly regarded by our leader.
With Shirley by his side, they are sure to lead the witch clan effectively.
For their personal benefit and for the clanâs future, I truly believe Andrew and Shirley are a perfect match.
â
Debraâs POV:
Hearing this, I couldnât suppress a sneer and retorted with biting sarcasm, âYour plan sounds wonderful.
How thoughtful of you.
But have you spared a thought for Andrewâs feelings?â
Addy fell silent once more.
I pressed her further, âIs Andrew expected to sacrifice everything for Shirley, for the clan leader, for the entire witch clan? After all the dangerous tasks heâs undertaken for the clan in his life, now you expect him to give up his marriage too? What does he owe the witch clan, exactly?â
Taking a deep breath, I was overwhelmed by the injustice of it all.
I looked into Addyâs eyes and said, âJust because heâs capable, you treat him as if heâs just a tool, devoid of feelings.
Is he supposed to do whatever the leader dictates for the rest of his life?â
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Addy, confronted with my pointed questions, looked guilty, yet her stance remained unyielding.
Her expression darkened.
âDonât stir up trouble where there is none.
Weâve never exploited Andrew.
Itâs his duty to protect the witch clan.
Everything heâs done was of his own free will.
â
I let out a scornful laugh.
âOh sure, Andrew was always ready to lay everything on the line for the clan, and youâve always taken his willingness for granted.
Now that heâs resisting what you want, youâre upset with him.
â
Addy, unable to keep up her usual poised and cold demeanor, burst out angrily, her secret fears laid bare.
âWhat do you know? A selfish, foolish mixed-blood bastard like you couldnât possibly understand the honor of the whole witch clan!â
âThe honor of the witch clan?â The idea seemed even more absurd to me.
âIs your clanâs honor really upheld by sacrificing Andrew? Without him, will the witch clan cease to exist?â
Addy shouted back furiously, âYouâre an enchantress! Andrew has fallen under your spell.
Once he regains his senses, heâll agree to marry Shirley for the good of our entire clan.
We, the people of the witch clan, are prepared to sacrifice everything for its betterment!â
I gazed at Addy with bewilderment.
Once she had settled a bit, I ventured cautiously, âAddy, have you been brainwashed? I thought the whole point of supporting the clan was to improve our lives.
Only the deluded or brainwashed would sacrifice themselves completely for the clan.
â
Flushed with rage, Addy snapped, âYouâre truly malevolent.
Andrew has been deceived by you.
â
Debraâs POV:
After finishing my piece, I walked away, leaving Addy behind without a backward glance.
Stepping out of the room, I was greeted by Andrewâs worried expression.
The moment he caught sight of me, relief flickered across his face.
He hurried over, clutching my hand tightly, his voice tinged with anxiety.
âAre you alright? Did Addy give you a hard time? Are you hurt?â
I offered him a reassuring smile and shook my head.
âIâm okay, Andrew.
No need to worry so much.
â
Despite my words, Andrewâs eyes scanned me from head to toe, searching for any sign of harm.
His protective instincts were palpable as he asserted âDonât be scared.
Iâm here now, and I wonât let anyone harm you.
â
His earnest concern brought a helpless smile to my face, and I met his gaze.
âReally, calm down.
Iâm perfectly fine.
Iâm not someone who can be easily bullied.
I didnât let Addy push me around.
â
At my words, a wave of relief washed over Andrew.
He managed a sheepish grin and apologized, âI guess I overreacted.
When the bodyguard told me Addyâs people had taken you away, I feared the worst.
Sorry for being so anxious.
â
With that, he finally released my hand, his worry slowly fading.
As I eyed Andrewâs bandaged arm, I couldnât help but blurt out, âYou should be more concerned about yourself rather than me.
Your wound hasnât even healed; how can you be running around?â