Kael Blackthorn stood before the bloodied prisoner again, the torches flickering on the cold stone.
His eyes narrowed as he clenched his jaw.
"Are you ready to speak?"he asked
The man whimpered but offered nothing more.
Kael stood slowly, brushing dust from his coat. He turned and walked back toward the stone halls, his cloak trailing behind him.
The deeper he went, the more the cave echoed with cries.
But Kael didn't flinch.
Not when his fate—and someone else's—was about to take a dark turn.
******
The sun crept gently through the lace curtains of Nerine's room, pouring golden light across her bed. She sat up with a yawn, stretching her arms to welcome the morning. Today marked a week that she had bonded with Elizabeth and it felt great.
Her heart felt light today—an unusual but welcome feeling. Today felt like it would be good.
She bathed quickly, with Elizabeth already helping Gracy prepare breakfast. Nerine whistled a soft tune while brushing her long silver-white black hair, tying it up into her usual ponytail. The soft fabric of her linen shirt and trousers gave her a sense of freedom she'd grown used to over the years in Madam Helen's home.
Descending the stairs, she smiled as the scent of warm bread greeted her. The laughter of Elizabeth and Gracy echoed from the kitchen, and she chuckled.
"You three are going to eat all the bread before I get any," Nerine teased.
Elizabeth turned with a bright smile, already munching a piece. "There's more!"
Madam Helen raised a brow playfully from her seat. "Then you'd better be faster next time."
Nerine joined them at the table, quickly nibbling on her breakfast before standing up to leave. She was halfway across the walkway to the front gate when she heard it:
"Nerine!"
The voice was unmistakably male, deep and familiar. It sliced through the air and sent a ripple of cold through her chest.
She turned sharply—and there he was.
Sir Marudas.
Her father.
Time froze. Her breath caught in her throat. Her mind instantly flooded with memories—her mother coughing blood, the tears she cried on stormy nights, the whispered promises of a man who never returned. Her fists clenched at her sides.
Marudas stepped forward slowly. His eyes looked worn, older, but filled with something that could've been guilt—or cowardice.
"I… came to take you home," he said, his voice filled with remorse. "Nerine, I know I have no right to ask. I should've come long ago. I should've been there. I'm sorry."
Her eyes flared with pain and restrained fury. She wanted to scream. Wanted to shout, Apologize to her in the grave! She wanted to demand he rip his own soul out and offer it to her mother.
But instead, she inhaled slowly and spoke calmly, her voice trembling. "I'm doing fine here. Madam Helen is my home. I'm not going anywhere with you."
Marudas flinched, visibly wounded by the quiet defiance. But he knew this wouldn't be easy. Still, his heart bore the burden of what he had to say.
"Nerine," he said, stepping closer. "I… I promise to make it up to you. All those years you and your mother—"
"Don't you dare mention my mother!" Nerine snapped, her voice sharp, trembling with restrained rage.
He froze. Her words cut through his dignity, straight to his shame.
There was a long silence. Then he sighed.
"You may hate me for this, but I have to protect more than just you. If you want Madam Helen to stay safe… then you need to come home with me."
Her heart dropped.
Threats. Now he was using threats?
He gave her one last glance. "I'll give you some time to think about it."
Then he turned and left.
Nerine stood there, her feet rooted, her hands shaking at her sides. What just happened?
Her thoughts spiraled until the voice of Mrs. Henry—her neighbor—pulled her back.
"Dear? Everything alright? That man seemed intense."
Nerine blinked and forced a smile. "Yes, Mrs. Henry. Everything's fine. Thank you."
Without another word, she turned toward the town park and headed for the public carriage, her mind too clouded to make sense of anything but she took a deep breath and touched the pendant on her chest ...the ruby her mother had gave her that night.
******
Meanwhile, in Hollowood, the gem store buzzed with its usual crowd. Shimmering gemstones glittered under soft light, catching the attention of buyers and collectors alike.
Nerine had just arrived when the bell chimed and a woman entered.
She was striking. Elegant posture, expensive perfume, perfectly curled hair. The kind of woman who didn't walk—she glided.
Nerine, now behind the counter, smiled politely. "Welcome to Our Gem store .How may I help you?"
The woman tilted her head, appraising Nerine with a calculating look. "Are you the jeweler?"
"Yes. I design and authenticate all of our pieces," Nerine replied, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear.
The woman approached the counter slowly. Her lips curled slightly—not quite a smile. "I'm looking for something… rare. Something regal. A piece worthy of someone of my stature."
Nerine raised a brow slightly but nodded. "Of course. Any particular gemstone or setting in mind?"
"Surprise me," the woman replied, then leaned in slightly. "After all, they say you have a special eye."
Nerine didn't miss the odd emphasis, but she didn't react. She retrieved a velvet tray of sapphires and opals, each carved into elegant designs.
"These are our finest pieces. They've all passed authentication and origin checks."
The woman looked at them, touching one with a gloved finger. "Hmph. Not bad."
Then her gaze flicked back to Nerine's hair.
"You know," she said softly, "you'd look almost noble… but what can I say it's not in you."
Nerine's smile faltered slightly, but she kept her tone even. "I dress for work. Function over form."
"Charming," the woman said dryly. "Still, it must be a shame, with all that potential."
"Jewelry is meant for everyone, not just those with titles." Nerine said noting that she was also a rich spoiled brat like most.
The woman narrowed her eyes, but said nothing.
After a few more minutes, she selected an opal ring.
"I'll take this. Deliver it to the Marudas estate. Sofia."
Nerine's heart skipped, but her face gave nothing away.
"Understood," she replied.
Sofia turned to leave, her heels clicking. "Oh, and tell your manager she should put you on display. That would make you much more money." She said not waiting for her reply.
As the door closed behind her, Nerine stood frozen.
Marudas estate… Sofia.
So that was her.
Her half-sister.
And she'd walked right into her store.The day was a bad one.