The cut that always Bleed//RamilPaytai

"I understand you're a jerk," Ava snapped, folding her arms, the bitter twist in her voice unmistakable. "But rigging votes? Really? I didn't think even you would stoop that low."

"No," Ramil whispered, but it came out like a breath, like a plea.

"You lied to us all," Khanin said, quiet but firm, disappointment dark in his eyes. "This isn't just childish cruelty anymore. This is corruption. You knew the king would take this seriously. We have to report it."

"No," Ramil's voice cracked again, and this time he flinched back like they'd struck him. "I didn't-I didn't-!"