جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 9

My phone buzzed in my palm.A reply flashed across the screen."Ms. St. Clair, the convoy is on its way."A few seconds later, another message came through."Mr. Blackthorn is on his way as well."I stared at the words "Mr. Blackthorn" for a long moment before the name behind them finally registered: Theodore Blackthorn.Seven years ago, I had run away to Ravenmist to escape my engagement to Theodore.That year, the hunters' purge came without warning. Holy-silver traps lit up across the forest overnight. I got lost in Blackpine Woods behind the cemetery, with no signal on my phone and a silver chain cutting into my ankle until I could no longer feel my foot.Just when I thought I would die in the fog before dawn, Silas found me.He carried me on his back all night, rain clinging to his lashes and his lips white as marble, hoarsely urging me to hold on the entire way."Don't fall asleep. You'll be safe once we get back to the manor."In time, I truly came to think of this place as home

After the guests filed into the hall, I was posted at the entrance to greet them.Every time the heavy oak doors opened, the damp cemetery chill crept up my sleeves.Vera sat by the fireplace, wrapped in a blanket that Silas had draped over her.A silver-etched foot warmer rested on her lap. Someone fed the coals at her feet, and even her cup of warm blood wine had come from Silas's own hand.I stood at the door, watching each new arrival make their way over to greet her.Anyone who didn't know better would think she was the one exchanging blood oaths with Silas tonight.Someone brushed past me and murmured to a companion."Evelyn only gets to marry into the Laine family because Silas is too honorable to abandon her."Another person sighed."Look at the state of Vera's legs, and she still came to the ceremony. How gracious of her."The words were quiet, but they pierced my ears like needles.I looked up at Silas.He had heard them too.But he just looked down and refilled Vera's wine,

The hall went silent the moment Theodore said it.His offer wasn't what silenced them.It was because the people behind him entered through the rain bearing a marriage contract of black parchment lettered in gold.The oldest among them unfolded the document. His voice was quiet, yet it silenced every whisper in the hall."Evelyn, the eldest daughter of Harbor City's St. Clair family, became engaged to Theodore Blackthorn seven years ago. The marriage contract was never dissolved, and the betrothal settlement was never returned.""We have come to escort Ms. St. Clair home to Harbor City and see the marriage contract fulfilled.""Anyone who stands in our way will be treated as attempting an abduction."The guests' expressions shifted instantly.Even Vera's crying stopped.Silas's grip on my hand hadn't loosened.Theodore's gaze fell on his knuckles."Let her go."Silas scoffed."This is Ravenmist, not your Harbor City. Evelyn is my woman."Theodore stepped closer.Raindrops struck the sh

The convoy didn't leave right away.Theodore had me brought to a medical tent set up just outside the manor.There was a heater, clean gauze, and a small bed made up with white sheets.I sat on the edge of the bed.Warmth slowly returned to my fingertips, but my chest felt ice-cold.Vera's question lodged in my mind like a splinter.Why had Theodore come?Seven years ago, I ran from the engagement and humiliated the Blackthorn family.He should hate me.At the very least, Theodore should not have come through the rain with a marriage contract and a doctor to bring me home.The doctor wrapped my hand again."Mr. Blackthorn has come to Ravenmist every year since you left."I looked up.Her hands stilled, as if she'd just realized she'd said too much."What for?"The tent flap lifted.Theodore walked in."To find you."I stared at him.He set a cup of hot water beside me."The St. Clair family told me not to say anything. Your father was worried that if you knew, you'd be even less willin

No one spoke.Vera stood before the brazier, her hands suspended in midair.She had frozen too.The blanket slid from her knees to the ground.The legs she'd claimed were too painful to move held her steady in the wet mud.The elderly housekeeper was the first to react."Your legs..."The color drained from Vera's face bit by bit.She tried to sit back in the wheelchair.But it was too late.The doctor Theodore had brought stepped forward, blocking her way."Vera, if you can stand, the examination will be much easier."Vera shrieked, "Don't touch me!"This time, Silas didn't shield her.He stood rooted in place, as if everything inside him had been hollowed out.Vera turned to him."Silas, say something for me."Silas raised his eyes."How many lies have you told me?"Vera's lips moved.No sound came out.A gust swept into the tent, lifting ash from the burned sash.They settled on the red carpet like a belated funeral.Silas suddenly walked toward me.Theodore stepped in his way.Sila