"Three days, that's all you get. I'm very busy and can't waste my time here," Emerald decided curtly.

Slightly, my face paled. I nodded finally after a longish pause. "Okay."

"I'll have Alexander deliver your ticket. See you at the airport in three days." And with that, Emerald grabbed her bag and was out the door, not another word spoken.

The silence was finally broken by Alexander. "Why did you change your mind all of a sudden?

He had thought until today that the two would end in a deadlock, but within minutes, the issue was settled.

Earlier, I had been resolute in my refusal to attend Meristate. What was...