Amy could hear yelling, then screeching, then a yelp. She looked up as Jasmine, reaching high, had Amber's right ear twisted and in her fist. Jasmine dragged her over to the couch and threw her by the ear onto it.

Amber looked furious. She held her tender ear, her face red and angry. “That fucking hurt! Don't ever do that again, you bit..." she broke off.

"Bitch? Were you about to call one of your circle members a bitch?

Were you?" hissed Jasmine.

"W-what? No! Never!" Lied Amber.

“I'm not a paladin, but that was clearly a lie murmured Amy.

Amber turned on Amy. "Not you too! By the Gods, I am so SICK of all this!"

Jasmine screeched. "SHUT THE FUCK UP, AMBER! By the Gods, I swear I will convince Amy to toss you from this circle. You are such a fucking BITCH! Yes, a BITCH! A Gods-damned fucking BITCH!"

Amy and Amber looked shocked at Jasmine.

Amber was about to open her mouth when Jasmine slapped her hard on the face. The sound was sharp and loud, and Amber flew sideways on the couch. She cried out and held her hands to her face and sobbed.

"I said shut up, Amber!" hissed Jasmine. "You need to shut up and listen! Are you going to listen?"

Amber shook her head.

Jasmine growled and moved to strike her again.

"Yes! Okay! No more hitting!" cried Amber.

Jasmine looked at Amy, who looked back at her in horror. "Relax, Amy.

This needs to happen. Just relax, okay?"

Amy hesitated and then nodded once.

Jasmine sat on the couch next to Amber and reached out and touched her shoulder. Amber flinched and then relaxed when Jasmine stroked her back.

“Amber, I'm sorry I hit you, but you deserved it and more. Daniel almost died today. Do you understand that? He almost died, and you did nothing to help. You puked instead. If Daniel had died while bonded to us, it would have been terrible for Amy and me. Do you not see that? You jeopardised Amy and me.

We are a circle. Together, there is nothing we can't do except work together, it seems. You failed the circle, Amber. You know you did.

You refused to help him and let him suffer. You did that. You need to admit that now, or I swear I will sever you from the circle."

Amber sniffed and said nothing.

“Last chance, Amber."

Amber said nothing.