Chapter 8
Chapter 8
The revelation on screen sent shockwaves through the livestream. The clut exploded with messages
[Wait–hat’s Caellan’s face!
[Here’s proof–aur elementary class photo (jpg). That’s definitely him!]
[So Elysia saved both Carllan and Stellant]
In the studio, Caellan’s composure shattered. “Shut your mouth Rage cracked through his voice. “So what if that’s me! Get this straight—
that snake abandoned us later. My sister–my real sister Rowena–was our savior.”
His voice dropped to a sneer. “How many nights in your bed did this whitewashing cost?”
The crude accusation ignited something in Torin. His bonds somehow loose, he crossed the room in two strides and delivered
a stinging slap to Chellan
“Rowena is family,” he said, voice hard. “But so is Elysia. You will not speak of your sister that way?
Fenwick and Caellan stared. Torin had never struck anyone, never publicly claimed Elysia as family.
hisch
A bitter laugh escaped Caellan as he slumped in his chair. “Family,‘ he thought. “Right”
Tunny timing for family talk,” he spat. “Where was this when you beat her bloody? When you locked her out in the raint When she got death threats and razor blades in the mail-
“Shut up! I never–
Torin supped as memories flooded back the rod striking her Besh, the door slamming on her desperate pleas, and his cold dismissal of her terrible fright when receiving threatening package
He knew Caellan was right–he had done it. But he felt justified. Elysia had screwed up, so she deserved to be punished. Simple as that.
to do with family.” His momentary guilt hardened into certainty. “Her actions demanded punishment. That has nothing to
They treated her that badly at home!
Didn’t you hear what Fenwick said? She cared ic]
(After everything she went through, only to come home to find her mother dead and her father remarried with new step–siblings–
(Oh I get in Shea estbook case of attention–starved pers
I personality–desperate to do anything that’ll make people notice her.)
That last comment twisted in Torin’s chest like a knife. As he grappled with the possibility that his sister’s actions stemmed from desperate loneliness, a sudden shalt in the memory projection caught everyone’s
On screen, a new figure appeared in the cave entrance, halting all conversation. “Who said you could bring them here?”
Elysia straggled to her feet, looking up with trepidation. Her glance froze everyone except proud Caellan and knowing Stellan
A living doll stood before them a twelve–year–old girl in a princess dress, pearls at her throat, patent leather on her feel.
Blonde hair cascaded over her shoulders, her skin glowing with health. She looked ready to step into a fairy tale, while Elysia’s sickly pullor and filthy rags marked her as something from under
a bridge.
That must be Rowena. I’ve seen her photo online.
Carllan confused this girl for their recuer!]
[Let’s be clear–Rowena did the actual rescue. All Elysia did was carry them and grab some mystery plants. Nothing special.]
[I knew some herbal knowledge that plant does break fevers.]
If you’re so tough, try carrying someone yourself! LOI, without her, the boys would’ve ended up in the traffickers chains]
In the studio, Chellan’s procesas died in his throat as he watched the scene unfold.
“You’re so pretty, Elysia
Elysia breathed, her voice filled with genuine admiration.
Rowena jerked back as if she was terrified Elysia’s dirty hands might soil her dress.
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10:48 AM
Chapter 8
Lifting her chin with a contemptuous sniff, she sneered, “Filthy creature. Keep your distance.”
The chat erupted instantly.
[What the-]
In the memory, Elysia clutched her rags, head bowed. I’m sorry.”
Just leave. Your poverty reeks Rowena waved her hand like shooing flies.
The cave left nowhere to retreat. As Elysia hesitated, Stellan’s eyes flickered open, meeting hers briefly before Rowena’s shriek pulled their
Micolion
“What did you put on my brother’s face, you animalt is he dead? Rowena howled
In the studio, Caellan shifted uneasily in his chair, eyes fixed on the screen. The girl he was watching–this pretty, cruel creature radiating contempt -
seemed impossible to reconcile with the gentle sister he knew
Rowena’s so mean!]
Oh come on, after all, she’s the Draytons‘ sheltered princess. Of course she’d be shocked sering something so dirty for the first time.]
[Exactly! She’s still a kid–so what if she’s a bit spoiled?]
The comment seemed to soothe Caellan’s uncase. Just young and direct, he thought, clinging to this justification. ‘Not fake like Elysia!
–
Back in the memory, tension crackled through the cave air. “No, please it’s medicine for lever. He’ll be fine.” Elysia said, gathering the remaining herbs with trembling hands.
Rowena shoved Elysia down, hands on her own hips. Get out! You’ve contaminated me”
She grabbed Stellan’s arm, ready to drag him out, but Elysia scrambled back. “Wait The village is full of traffickers, Leave after dark when it’s safer,
“I know about the traffickers. That’s why I brought them here: Rowena tossed her hair. “One call brings my bodyguards running”
Hope blazed in Elysia’s eyes. She clurched Rowena’s sleeve. “Then call the police! Another girl and I are trapped here”
“Ught” Rowena’s face contorted with absolute revulsion at Elysia’s touch. “Get your dirty hands off me! How many times do I have to tell you to get lost–
op getting in any way?”
Tears blurred Elysia’s vision. She hated begging, but this was her only chance at freedom. “Please. I’m Elysia Drayton. My friend is Odessa Merr. We were kidnapped. Help us,” she pleaded.
“Not my problem. Rowena shook her off like something rotten.
The clut erupted in fury
[Face Rowena fans! Justice for Odessa
Just one call to the police could have saved them both. When Elysia revealed she was a Drayton–hour could Rowena ignore her own family name!)
[Why should Howena be expected to know her name‘]
Can we be rational here? How would Rowena even know if Elysia was lying!]