Her Graceful War Song (Carissa Sinclair) novel Chapter 812

Casey shook her head. "No, I wouldn't want to. I want to stay here."

"Your daughter will be there," Carissa reminded her gently.

Casey tilted her head, her long hair cascading down a little. "I know. She won't suffer. She'll grow up just like any other ordinary child."

Her eyes sparkled with longing—what she desired but couldn't have. Yet, seeing her daughter in that life brought her joy.

Carissa's voice was warm as she said, "Alright. If you don't want to go back, no one can force you. You don't have a formal status in the Quinton family, so they can't make you return."

Casey slipped off the bed and knelt in front of Carissa, bowing her head. Her voice was choked with emotion as she spoke, "Thank you. You don't know what this means to us. The knife hanging over our heads is gone. I no longer dream of mountains of blades and seas of fire."

Carissa helped her up. "Once the case is resolved, you can go wherever you wish. But for now, you're not truly free."

"Right now is good enough. No one will hurt me again." Casey returned to the bed, a fragile smile breaking through as tears fell. "I don't like Lord Malcolm. Every time he comes, I feel afraid. I never asked for his pity. He's so rough."

Casey loosened her clothing, revealing the bite marks on her skin—new and old. They dotted her chest and arms, and the most shocking were the ones on her…

They were so numerous and close together.

Carissa felt a pang in her heart. Who could say these women weren't victims? They were truly trapped in this situation, while Henry's endless claims of helplessness felt so hollow and hypocritical.

Carissa helped her adjust her clothes. "No one will hurt you again. You can feel safe living here."

"Thank you so much. You've really saved us," Casey said as she finished dressing, tears still streaming down her cheeks.

As Carissa stepped out of Pearwater Convent, she saw Carmen approaching on foot.

"Greetings, Your Grace," Carmen said as she walked closer, her forehead and face slick with sweat. Her eyes were red and bloodshot, and she looked utterly exhausted.