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ora
he wooden door, harsh and unyielding, sli
ing ages. Do you truly think you're privileged enough to
raight through the door. Every syllable dripped with smug, petty arrogance. She reveled in lord
never bothered to hide her scorn. To her, I was nothing more than a usele
soaking my worn nightgown, my heart
, and even the dust in the air felt terrifyingly familiar. This was not a dream.
r the military Title of Honor I had earned through blood and battle to Miss Corinne, I obeyed. That cowardly surrender was the first step toward ruin: Ster
in, her face twisted into a pinched, disapproving scowl, her eyes sweeping over my disheveled form with a disg
eg the Matron for mercy and hand over your military Title of Honor to Miss Corinne. Dress humble, k
jolting loose the flood of buried memories. This da
nd with a noble title she could secure a far grander match. In my previous life, I had carried out that order exactly as written. I had personally han
o longer the foolish, craving girl who begged for a family's love.I had died in the flames, witnessed
and unflinching, no longer clouded by flustered
not we
speak with such unyielding authority, such frigid defiance. For twe
issed, stunned and furiou
ing through her rant like a blade. "I will get re
d instantly. She hesitated, a flicker of unease flashing across her face, before
s tightening fiercely on the dull fabric-the symbol of my past humiliation, my blind compromise, my self-destruction.
trieved my well-worn field uniform, wrapped safely in oilcloth. The black reinforced trousers and fitted tact
stern knot at my nape. Glancing at the cracked mirror, I no longer saw a we
pyre for the naive girl who had burned to death in the fire. This Au
impatiently in the hallway, and her jaw dropped the
ssible! The Matro
th biting, icy sarcasm. "I have much
ep firm and deliberate. The cool dawn air brushe
one for anyone. This time, I would burn
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