The Broken Architect's Fiery Revenge

Rollin

e room, Jesse' s innocent joy mingled with Dereck' s triumphant chuckle, was a physical blow. My vis

urst

alists" or Potter family cronies-all whipped their heads towards m

, a desperate attempt to regain control. "I thoug

cool, practiced smile. "Hello, Cayla. Dereck was j

entire miserable charade. I forced a weak smile, my lips feeling like they

a monumental effort. My bandaged hand thro

la, wait. I can explain. Kacey was just... discussing things

ntic scramble to piece his lies back together. He

ely a whisper. "I understand. You don' t ne

ed I was too broken, too blind to grasp the full exten

, disdainful stares of the other men in the roo

ic," on

pity and contempt mingling in his tone. "

, fading into the relentless rhythm of my own resolve. I w

gistration," I told the startled re

had scooped Jesse into his arms, Kacey leaning against his shoulder, her hand resting on his

a spectacle, designed to impress, to solidify his new image as the devoted father and

me, sharp little bar

ckered. "Still hanging arou

e used to be

monial dagger, a symbol of his place in the clan. Kacey stood b

ike his father," Kacey cooed, her voice ca

ut. "The strongest. He will carr

l, the humiliation of being cast aside for this...

d for the small pouch I carried. Inside, a handful of letters. Dereck' s letters

flickering, seemed to roar in my ears. I watched as the elegant scr

behind me. A familiar

s my bandaged right arm, tearing through the gauze, r

her eyes glittering with malice. "It' s over. You' re broken. Useless. He does

lost everything, didn' t you? Your ca

me, her eyes wide with feigned terror. She let out a piercing shriek, stu

screamed, splashing wil

turned, his eyes locking onto Kacey struggling in the water. Without a

d with rage. "What have you done, Cayla? Are