Chapter 9
“Rowena’s right. Fenwick broke his silence in the studio. “Why get involved? Self–preservation comes first.”
-The phrase “self–preservation” drew a sharp look from Torin. A small, helpless child could pose no threat whatsoever. Carllan’s rejection made sense–the blood ties were distant. But Fenwick was Elysia’s own brother.
“Have you forgotten her kindness, Fenwick Torin’s voice roughened with memory. “Every toy you demanded, every snack–she gave them all When you shattered that vase, she took your punishment. Now you defend this?”
Fenwick glanced at Torin’s freed hands, wards dying in his throat. That carlier slap had clearly left its mark.
Seeing Fenwick falter, Caellan leaped to the defense. “How could Rowena know she wasn’t lying! Her sketchy look probably raised red flags. She brought it on herself
[Sull making excuses? Now it’s about looks? Has he even seen Elysia’s face!]
[Back off Our Rowena needs no excuses! just look at Elysia’s mugshot]
On the screen, the confrontation took a dark turn. Rowena suddenly lunged forward, gripping Elysia’s arm. “Elysia! From the Drayton family! Rupert Drayton’s daughter!”
ysia’s tears. “Yes! My dad’s number is—”
Hope blazed through Elysia’s i
“I’ll never help you! Rowena shoved her toward the cave mouth once, twice, three times
A near–vertical slope waited outside, slick with recent rain. Elysta dropped to her knees, clutching Rowena’s skin. “Stop! The fall will kill me!” she pleaded
Kill That simple word sparked something dark in Rowena, malice spreading like ink in water
As Elysia inched from the edge, Rowena crouched slown. One finger pressed against Elysia’s forehead as her lips curved. “Then die”
It was only a gentle push, but Rowena’s twisted smile made Elysia’s grip loosen. As she tried to turn. Rowena’s kick sent her over. Elysia’s small, frail body bounced down the steep, rocky slope, each thudding impact bringing fresh. agony
Above, Rowena’s triumphunt voice echoed “I’m no longer Rowena Scout from now on. I’m taking the Drayton name their only daughter.”
As consciousness faded, Elysia’s bloodied fingers trembled while she desperately struggled to grasp the branch. The sight of red coating her hand sent terror flooding through her. Her arm dropped as darkness claimed her.
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