CHAPTER THIRTY: Bravery

My disgust surges to the surface, contorting my features into a mask of revulsion. "No, never again."

The hope drains from Carter's eyes, leaving a hollow, desperate man. Without another word, I turn on my heel and leave him behind. Thankfully, he doesn’t follow.

Carter will grow more desperate, I can sense it, and I need to find a way to escape before his desperation turns even more dangerous than it already is.

Later that afternoon, Elmyra invites some of the Whitlock women for afternoon tea, a tradition steeped in formality and thinly veiled contempt. She makes sure to extend the invitation to me as well. When I refuse, her voice becomes cold and threatening.

"You don’t know what I’ll do if you don't show yourself to the rest of the Whitlocks," She warns.

Oh, I know! She’ll tell Carter about it, and Carter will get mad at me for disrespecting his beloved mother.

"Wear your best clothes. I’ve sent over your old ones,” she adds, before leaving.

Fine! I’ll go, but I have no intenti