Chapter 8
Chapter 8
The revelation on screen sent shockwaves through the livestream .
The clut exploded with messages
[ Wait – hat’s Caellan’s face !
[ Here’s proof – aur elementary class photo ( jpg ) .
That’s definitely him ! ]
[ So Elysia saved both Carllan and Stellant ]
In the studio , Caellan’s composure shattered .
“ Shut your mouth Rage cracked through his voice .
“ So what if that’s me ! Get this straight — that snake abandoned us later .
My sister – my real sister Rowena – was our savior .
”
His voice dropped to a sneer .
“ How many nights in your bed did this whitewashing cost ? ”
The crude accusation ignited something in Torin .
His bonds somehow loose , he crossed the room in two strides and delivered a stinging slap to Chellan
“ Rowena is family , ” he said , voice hard .
“ But so is Elysia .
You will not speak of your sister that way ?
Fenwick and Caellan stared .
Torin had never struck anyone , never publicly claimed Elysia as family .
hisch
A bitter laugh escaped Caellan as he slumped in his chair .
“ Family , ‘ he thought .
“ Right ”
Tunny timing for family talk ,” he spat .
“ Where was this when you beat her bloody ? When you locked her out in the raint When she got death threats and razor blades in the mail-
“ Shut up ! I never – Torin supped as memories flooded back the rod striking her Besh , the door slamming on her desperate pleas , and his cold dismissal of her terrible fright when receiving threatening package
He knew Caellan was right – he had done it .
But he felt justified .
Elysia had screwed up , so she deserved to be punished .
Simple as that .
to do with family .
” His momentary guilt hardened into certainty .
“ Her actions demanded punishment .
That has nothing to
They treated her that badly at home !
Didn’t you hear what Fenwick said ? She cared ic ]
( After everything she went through , only to come home to find her mother dead and her father remarried with new step – siblings – is it really so hard to understand if she’s seeking attention ! ]
( Oh I get in Shea estbook case of attention – starved pers
I personality – desperate to do anything that’ll make people notice her .
)
That last comment twisted in Torin’s chest like a knife .
As he grappled with the possibility that his sister’s actions stemmed from desperate loneliness , a sudden shalt in the memory projection caught everyone’s attention
On screen , a new figure appeared in the cave entrance , halting all conversation .
“ Who said you could bring them here ? ”
Elysia straggled to her feet , looking up with trepidation .
Her glance froze everyone except proud Caellan and knowing Stellan
A living doll stood before them a twelve – year – old girl in a princess dress , pearls at her throat , patent leather on her feel .
Blonde hair cascaded over her shoulders , her skin glowing with health .
She looked ready to step into a fairy tale , while Elysia’s sickly pullor and filthy rags marked her as something from under a bridge .
That must be Rowena .
I’ve seen her photo online .
Carllan confused this girl for their recuer ! ]
[ Let’s be clear – Rowena did the actual rescue .
All Elysia did was carry them and grab some mystery plants .
Nothing special .
]
[ I knew some herbal knowledge that plant does break fevers .
]
If you’re so tough , try carrying someone yourself ! LOI , without her , the boys would’ve ended up in the traffickers chains ]
In the studio , Chellan’s procesas died in his throat as he watched the scene unfold .
“ You’re so pretty , Elysia
Elysia breathed , her voice filled with genuine admiration .
Rowena jerked back as if she was terrified Elysia’s dirty hands might soil her dress .
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10:48 AM
Chapter 8
Lifting her chin with a contemptuous sniff , she sneered , “ Filthy creature .
Keep your distance .
”
The chat erupted instantly .
Is this really the same Rowena everyone’s been praising ? )
[ What the- ]
In the memory , Elysia clutched her rags , head bowed .
I’m sorry .
”
Just leave .
Your poverty reeks Rowena waved her hand like shooing flies .
The cave left nowhere to retreat .
As Elysia hesitated , Stellan’s eyes flickered open , meeting hers briefly before Rowena’s shriek pulled their
Micolion
“ What did you put on my brother’s face , you animalt is he dead ? Rowena howled
In the studio , Caellan shifted uneasily in his chair , eyes fixed on the screen .
The girl he was watching – this pretty , cruel creature radiating contempt -seemed impossible to reconcile with the gentle sister he knew
Rowena’s so mean ! ]
Oh come on , after all , she’s the Draytons ‘ sheltered princess .
Of course she’d be shocked sering something so dirty for the first time .
]
[ Exactly ! She’s still a kid – so what if she’s a bit spoiled ? ]
The comment seemed to soothe Caellan’s uncase .
Just young and direct , he thought , clinging to this justification .
‘ Not fake like Elysia !
–
Back in the memory , tension crackled through the cave air .
“ No , please it’s medicine for lever .
He’ll be fine .
” Elysia said , gathering the remaining herbs with trembling hands .
Rowena shoved Elysia down , hands on her own hips .
Get out ! You’ve contaminated me ”
She grabbed Stellan’s arm , ready to drag him out , but Elysia scrambled back .
“ Wait The village is full of traffickers , Leave after dark when it’s safer ,
“ I know about the traffickers .
That’s why I brought them here : Rowena tossed her hair .
“ One call brings my bodyguards running ”
Hope blazed in Elysia’s eyes .
She clurched Rowena’s sleeve .
“ Then call the police ! Another girl and I are trapped here ”
“ Ught ” Rowena’s face contorted with absolute revulsion at Elysia’s touch .
“ Get your dirty hands off me ! How many times do I have to tell you to get lost – op getting in any way ? ”
Tears blurred Elysia’s vision .
She hated begging , but this was her only chance at freedom .
“ Please .
I’m Elysia Drayton .
My friend is Odessa Merr .
We were kidnapped .
Help us ,” she pleaded .
“ Not my problem .
Rowena shook her off like something rotten .
The clut erupted in fury
[ Face Rowena fans ! Justice for Odessa
Just one call to the police could have saved them both .
When Elysia revealed she was a Drayton – hour could Rowena ignore her own family name ! )
y should Howena be expected to know her name ‘ ]
[ Why s
Can we be rational here ? How would Rowena even know if Elysia was lying ! ]
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