Chapter 6
The sharp crack of leather lashes split the air.
I knew at once–it was Ethan again.
The boy’s mind was clouded, and every mistake he made brought punishment down upon him. Ever since I had moved across the lane, not a night passed without hearing their blows and curses.
One afternoon, I met Nathan at the edge of the settlement. He was pushing Ethan’s chair alone, his face mottled with bruises, lips split. The sight made my chest tighten
At the slope near the gate, his thin arms strained against the wheels. Each time he tried, the chair slid back down.
I stepped forward, took hold of the handles, and pushed with one firm stroke, bringing them to the top.
Nathan turned, startled. When he saw it was me, he lowered his head. “Thank you,” he muttered.
“Should I call the enforcers?” I asked quietly.
He shook his head, bitterness flashing in his eyes. “It won’t help. They’d only beat us harder once they were released.”
releas His voice dropped, then hardened. “But sometimes… sometimes the pack hears better through whispers than through law.” I smiled faintly, “Exactly. Sometimes the network spreads truth faster than any patrol.”
Nathan froze, his gaze suddenly sharpened, a flicker of clarity piercing the gloom. He was clever. He understood at once.
A few days later, I met one of Edward’s distant cousins for dinner.
“Clara, you’ll never believe this,” she whispered, leaning closer. “Edward begged his parents for coin, said he couldn’t feed two more mouths.”
I lifted a glass, waiting
“And guess what? They cursed him instead–said Vivian must be cursed herself to bear two crippled heirs. They told Edward they’d find him another mate.”
Larched a brow, “Another mate? But isn’t he already bound to Vivian?”
She smirked. “Edward’s been plotting divorce for years. He doesn’t want to be shackled to two defective heirs. His parents already have someone in mind–one of their kin’s daughters, a servant girl. They’ll call her a caretaker, but you know what her real duty will be.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Breed him a son?”
“Exactly. The moment she conceives, Vivian will be cast aside.”
We clinked our cups, both of us shaking our heads at the absurdity. The proud Stones, reduced to such farce.
I didn’t expect the girl to arrive so quickly. Barely three days later, I saw a fresh–faced young woman coming and going from Edward’s
den
Vivian’s fury could be heard even across the lane.
“You brought her here? Into my home?”
“She was hired by your mother–in–law,” Edward snapped. “If you don’t like it, take it up with her.”
The fights grew louder by the day.
“You dare! After everything I sacrificed leaving my honor behind, givi
you two sons—and now you humiliate me like this?”
were weak, Vivian! You gave me nothing but broken heirs!”
“Don’t talk to me about sons! You w
“You bastard! How dare
you-
The clash of crockery, the shattering of glass, echoed through the walls like an unholy symphony.
From my window, I listened, the corners of my lips curling upward.
The Stones wanted a legacy so badly, they’d tear themselves apart for it.
And I-
I was going to watch every moment of their fall.
