Chapter 8: 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 .

1/2

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 ! ]

2/2