Reborn I Refuse To Save The Traitors (Margaery) novel Chapter 159

**Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows**

**Chapter 159**

Russell’s voice trembled as he spoke, “There was a time when I dismissed the visions Walter, the Diviner, presented to me as mere fabrications. No matter the rift that had formed between Margaery and us, I believed we would never resort to harming her…”

His tone was gravelly, as if the weight of countless burdens had aged him far beyond his years. “But today, witnessing both your and Father’s reactions, I’ve come to a harrowing realization: we are capable of unspeakable things.”

He took a faltering step backward, a bitter smile twisting his lips. “Joshua, mark my words—you and Father will come to regret this decision. You will.”

With resolve, he lifted his gaze to meet Joshua’s eyes.

“I used to convince myself that Walter was nothing more than a charlatan.

“But now, seeing the way you both reacted, I can’t help but think he spoke the truth. In her past life, we were the ones who brought about Margaery’s demise. It’s no wonder she wants nothing to do with us anymore.

“She seeks to sever all ties, to dissolve the engagement. She yearns for freedom.”

As he retreated step by step toward the courtyard gate, he added, “Now that you’ve forced her away, I will go find her. Just remember—don’t come to regret this.”

“Regret? How could you even fathom that?”

With those words hanging in the air, Russell turned and strode into the enveloping darkness of the night.

“Russell Wallen, come back here!”

Joshua dashed after him, a surge of frustration igniting within him. “Father instructed me to keep you locked up! Now that you’ve escaped, how am I supposed to justify this to him?”

Fury coursed through him.

He was incensed not only by Russell’s impulsiveness but also by the fact that his brother, a grown man, seemed oblivious to the family’s struggles and continued to act like a petulant child.

Margaery had left them; would Russell follow suit?

Joshua seized Russell’s arm, ready to reprimand him.

But in an instant, Russell pressed the blade of his sword against Joshua’s chest. “Joshua, don’t push me.”

Tears streamed down Russell’s face, glistening in the moonlight.

“Since you refuse to believe me, you’d better ensure Tessa’s safety. If the opportunity arises, I swear I’ll strike her down without hesitation!”

“You…”

Joshua felt a surge of panic and anger.

But he was still recovering from the severe injuries inflicted by Dashnell earlier that day; he knew he couldn’t overpower Russell in this moment. All he could do was grit his teeth and watch as Russell walked away, his voice a strained whisper, “Don’t do anything reckless. Do you understand?”

Russell didn’t look back.

He was determined to find Margaery.

Joshua’s heart sank as he realized how empty everything felt. Margaery had gone, and now Russell was following her into the night.

It was as if a chasm had opened in the once-magnificent Chancellor’s estate, where the biting wind howled ominously, and danger lurked in every shadow, an abyss that could never be bridged again.

The haunting words echoed in his mind: a ruined family and lost lives.

Like a chilling bell tolling in the distance, it struck Joshua with a sense of foreboding that left him feeling hollow.

He shook his head vigorously, trying to dispel those thoughts, and turned to walk back inside.

The night was pitch black, and he shivered as Russell’s words replayed in his head.

The fate of Margaery in Russell’s previous life—he had never believed his family capable of such heinous acts.

But now, uncertainty gnawed at him.

Because tonight, he and his father had discussed the possibility of silencing both Margaery and Mark.

So, was Margaery truly his sister by blood?

A crushing weight settled in Joshua’s chest, and he felt dazed, as though he had been struck by a heavy blow.

Unconsciously, he found himself standing at the door of the study.

Inside, he could hear Tessa’s soft cries. “Father, I wish I could bear your pain. Next time something like this happens, please don’t shield me again. Seeing the wounds on your body breaks my heart.”

It was Tessa, her empathy spilling over for her father.

But what of Margaery?

She seemed oblivious to their father’s injuries, turning away without a second glance.

She had even brought an outsider into their midst, bullied Joshua, and threatened his life.

Setting aside familial ties, could Margaery truly be worthy of being called Father’s daughter, or his sister?

In Joshua’s eyes, she was not deserving.

Hours seemed to stretch on when a sudden knock at the door broke the silence.

Thinking it was Adam or Solon returning, she instructed Amber to open the door.

But to her astonishment, as soon as the door swung open, a disheveled figure stumbled inside, looking like a lost wanderer, his hair wild and unkempt.

His face was obscured, and he muttered her name, “Margaery,” but his voice was so hoarse it was barely recognizable.

Then, without warning, he spat out a mouthful of blood.

The crimson liquid mixed with the ink staining his clothes, creating a grotesque, dark concoction that sent a shiver down her spine.

“Margaery, I… I’m so sorry!”

He collapsed to the floor, and as he raised his face, Amber finally recognized him, gasping, “Lord Russell? What are you doing here?”

Margaery was momentarily taken aback. “Russell Wallen, why have you come to find me? I want nothing to do with the Chancellor’s estate anymore!”

But how had he ended up in such a pitiful state?

This was the first time Margaery had seen Russell so utterly broken.

After all, he was the third son of the Chancellor’s household, always meticulous about his appearance. Every time he attended Inkwell Academy, he adorned himself in flamboyant attire.

Even at home, he took great care to present himself with charm and elegance.

Yet now, he was a shadow of his former self.

Margaery looked at him, momentarily lost in her thoughts.

“I’m so sorry!” Russell repeated, his voice choked with emotion.

He swayed unsteadily, locking eyes with Margaery, tears streaming down his cheeks. “It was they who cast you out from the Chancellor’s estate, not me.

“From this moment forward, I will remain by your side. If you refuse to return, then I shall not return either.”

Though he was somewhat inebriated, the sorrow and anguish that consumed him were all too real.

The pain threatened to unhinge him, pushing him to the brink of despair.

“Margaery, I genuinely regret my past actions. I wronged you because I believed Tessa’s words. Please, may I seek your forgiveness? As long as you can find it in your heart to forgive me, I will do anything you ask.”

Unable to contain himself any longer, Russell stepped closer, grasping Margaery’s hand in a desperate plea.