Reborn I Refuse To Save The Traitors (Margaery) novel Chapter 161

**Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows by Aren Cole Vale**

**Chapter 161**

It was not Russell’s father or his brothers that held any worth; rather, it was they who were found wanting.

With tears streaming down his face, Russell whispered, “Margaery, may you find peace. I am just next door, always keeping a watchful eye over you. Should you need anything at all, do not hesitate to call for me.”

“We have shared sixteen years of our lives together. Even if you choose to deny me as your brother, I will forever cherish you as my sister. The fault lies with me, not you.”

In the enveloping darkness of the night, he curled into himself, resembling a forlorn stray dog, abandoned and lost.

Time dragged on as he stood there, the silence from the room next door heavy and suffocating.

Indeed, how could anyone, after enduring such relentless wrongs, bullying, and isolation, and finally facing a brutal end, still yearn for warmth from the cold and unfeeling Chancellor’s estate?

He felt unworthy!

Visions of the horrific scenes Walter had shown him flashed through his mind, and he wished he could plunge a sword into his own heart.

Margaery was his own flesh and blood, his younger sister. How could he have committed such a heinous act against her?

Even if they were not bound by blood, they had grown up side by side, sharing sixteen years of love and companionship. Yet, in the end, he and his father had chosen to forsake her, to snuff out her life for the sake of Tessa.

He deserved death, he thought bitterly. He deserved to be abandoned in this oppressive darkness, his cries for help echoing into the void, unanswered.

With unsteady steps, he stumbled down the stairs, only to turn back and ascend once more, entering the room adjacent to his.

As his footsteps faded into the distance, Amber Stark pressed her face against the door, her expression a tumult of emotions.

“My Lady, Lord Russell has departed, but there was a sound from the room next door. It appears he has moved in. If he continues to follow us, what should we do?”

There was an undeniable air of regret surrounding Russell, a sincerity that Amber found unsettling.

After all, she had never witnessed him in such a state of despair, so utterly humbled.

“Let’s ignore him for now,” Margaery replied, turning over, her own feelings a tangled mess.

She had never anticipated that Russell would follow her out of the Chancellor’s estate this time. She had no idea what exactly Walter had revealed to him.

Russell had chosen to believe it.

But after everything that had transpired in her previous life, coupled with the dangers that lurked at every corner now, she couldn’t afford to concern herself with whether her enemy was in distress or not.

Her own survival was her priority.

Amber extinguished the light, letting out a sigh that carried her helplessness.

“Lord Russell seems genuinely remorseful, but what good is his regret if it remains unacted upon?”

Though Amber was young, she was far from naive. Some truths became evident simply through contemplation.

“The Chancellor’s estate is under the master’s control, with Lord Joshua as the heir. They will go to great lengths to protect Tessa, not to mention Lord Clyde, who is as dim-witted as they come. We cannot return to that place,” she stated firmly.

With another sigh, she curled up beside Margaery, feeling the chill of winter seep into her bones. This was her first time leaving a large family, staying at an inn with a sixteen-year-old young lady, and uncertainty gnawed at her, robbing her of sleep.

Margaery understood all too well that the Chancellor’s estate was a chapter closed, beyond the possibility of return.

Her father was indeed her biological father, and her brothers were related by blood.

Yet, what did those ties mean when they all favored Tessa? No matter the circumstances, whenever Tessa shed tears, it was invariably Margaery who bore the blame.

There was no merit in dwelling on matters that were irreparable.

Taking a deep breath, Margaery declared, “From this moment on, we sever all ties with the Chancellor’s estate.”

Only by cutting those ties could they hope to survive.

In her past life, she had tried to shield everyone, ultimately exposing Tessa Wallen’s schemes.

But what had that led to?

The outcome was that her own family had sent her to her death first.

It had always been a bitter joke.

This time, everyone was destined for their own paths. She was no martyr. Let them pursue their desires.

Gently, she comforted Amber, saying, “You should try to sleep.”

“Hmmm,” Amber hummed softly in response, her voice fading into the darkness.

“Ivy Laay, I’ve found out,” Margaery murmured, turning to the window, her voice barely above a whisper.

Wayne’s voice joined hers, equally hushed, “What did you discover?”

“After Tessa departed from the Hadley family, she claimed she was seeking a doctor for Raul. She rode in Halle’s carriage to Springcourt House and met Prince Callum.”

“Following that, she returned to the Chancellor’s estate with Halle and Mark. Shortly after, on their way back, Mark’s horse stumbled, causing the carriage to overturn. Mark died after colliding with a wall.”

While Margaery had anticipated the earlier events, the news of Mark’s death sent a chill through her, dispelling any remnants of sleepiness.

“Was he killed in that accident? Was this a means to silence him?”

Margaery’s mind raced. ‘Mark was the one who conducted the blood test for Tessa and me.

‘Now, with the midwife dead and Mark gone, the secret of our blood relationship remains concealed.

‘As long as the Wallen family insists that both Tessa and I are daughters of Raul Wallen, it will be nearly impossible for me to extricate myself from their grasp.

‘However…’

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