#Chapter 104: Recompense

Asher wanted me to drop from the cheerleading squad? “Asher,” I said, trying to keep my voice calm. “If I leave the squad, I’ll have to leave the Academy, too.” He paused, then said, “I know.” “You can’t ask me to do that.” “I don’t want to,” Asher said, reluctant. “But…” He looked down. “I’m worried.” My heart swelled at his words, growing in its fondness for him. Everything he did was driven by his fierce desire to protect me, and I appreciate that. Truly. But… “I can’t just hide in a hole, Asher. I won’t. After everything I’ve survived to be here, I’m not going to give up now, because of this man.” Still staring at the ground, Asher nodded. He had to have known I wouldn’t agree to give up. “I understand, and I respect your choice,” he said. “As I will always.” I felt a ‘but’ coming and waited patiently. Soon, he lifted his head and leveled me with his intense, ice-cold focus. “If that man tries anything like this again, I will put a stop to it – permanently.” His intensi