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–is it really so hard to understand if she’s seeking attention!]
(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 attention
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.
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