Velvet chains of winter

barely

the distant hum of the refrigerator, even the wind brushing against the win

being w

layed endless

ietly, careful not to wake anyone, and stepped into the hallway. The h

aribel was unus

e set Ela

htly, pouring herself c

, hands fold

curiosity, eyes sharp and amus

," Elara rep

tte said. "Always so bus

n thinking," she said, eyes never leaving E

at tightened

aribel replied. "What will b

felt like

an you met yes

a fr

know what

with deliberate care. "

rward. "Mother do

tight to breathe. "I

"Then you won't mind ha

eemed

ers curled i

she said, the lie weak

ood. "Give

didn't

etched, thick a

ce hardened. "I sa

ysette reached out and snat

cried, stand

. If you're innocent, t

against her ribs as Lysette's

eath s

mess

ct withou

a

changed the mom

aid softly.

hrough Elara

say another word, the

n

ic

e ti

. Ins

ned. "Who co

he screen one last time before s

it," Lys

the door-

n stood

othing ordinary about them. Power radiate

the c

den Bla

ked instantl

ef, controlled-before his expressi

ael said calmly.

stepping forward with a p

sn't knock twice

eason to believe your household is engaging in

s smile

iate," she snapped. "You

de without waitin

ir sh

said gently.

before her fear

er arm. "She's no

e flicked

her

coffed. "

ved in

rist was twisted just e

peated, his voic

oved to his side, he

face had

ave no

exploiting a minor dependent, misusing her identity, and p

mouth open

faintly. "We

crushed

er from the picture," Kael contin

trem

racked. "You think yo

at Elara, then

etly. "I think I

. "Pack a bag. You

widened

afe here," he

itated-years of fear

she n

s silent, heavy

lightly as the city passed by. Everything sh

se enough that she could

ight thing," h

n for this,"

," he

d to him,

it," he continued. "I w

ped down h

to live without fe

htened. "Then

ed estate surrounded by iro

breath

l stay," Kael said.

him, overwhelm

ght here,"

them, Elara realized her li

had K

.