chapter twenty four

Elen and the twins slipped away, leaving the high priest and their father to talk alone. They made their way to the garden to while away the time playing. When Elen noticed Chiara trailing her out of the corner of her eye, she didn't mention it to her brothers.

"Brother, I'm going to wash my hands at the fountain," Elen said to her brothers.

"Want me to come with you?" Elliot asked.

"No, don't worry, brother," Elen replied, flashing a smile.

"Okay, I'll go and check on father," Elliot said, giving Max a pat on the back to keep an eye on Elen. Elen grinned at her brothers' interaction and walked over to the fountain. As she reached the fountain, she saw Chiara following her from a distance, and a feeling of unease settled in her stomach.

"What do you want?" Elen said, as she saw Chiara peeking from behind the wall.

"Oh, I was found," Chiara chuckled, stepping out in front of Elen. "So, you are the orphan that my father wants."

Elen just stared at her. She thought that Chiara was still