Sincl

our formal parlor, his postu

ed envelope across the ma

lity, yet the display of respect-

er, Cynthia, crossed her arm

s getting a better marriage a

ispered, her voice trembling as she clutched C

She knew her fiancé, Xavie

good marriage. Instead, she let my father

e soldiers beat me u

me to my quarters. He saw my bruised

, swallowing the bile in my thr

my family's estate was replaced by the salt-l

ong the shoreline. We were surrounded by a

bought me an artisan spun

a small smile that sof

e to buy me thi

y, his gaze holding mine. "I

r of iridescent seashells half-buried in the wet sand.

om the cart," Gabriel said, already

ne for ten seconds. In our w

ll. Look

ehind the dunes. His entourage in

linging to the wool of his suit. The confining pressu

He slowed his speech, each syllable a cris

back, preserving the

to my sister.

e. He stepped closer, erasing the distance I had cr

otch I sent to the house with you," he p

lied, my voice utter

, his weapon drawn and aimed squarely a

lared at the guard-a cold stare that

er did not back down, his fin

l's return. He walked up, raising a single, authoritative hand. Th

l walk

stepped smoothly between Xavier

l," Xavier said coldly, the polite words soun

el gently wrapped the si

his fingers firmly i

d, his eyes meeting Xavier's

l replied, his voice a low count

lt-laced air was thic

entirely different from my past life. Gabr

," I said quietly, bre

never once taking his gaz

searing into my spine like a brand. Thi