INE

silent, chilling authority that had successf

flickered to Bristol first, a silent check. The way a farmer might

an," he said, his voice fl

back, his voice muffled. "I was just

covered in bruises, it's the Mathews family name that looks weak.

his fear of our father. He muttered a curse, and his footsteps re

It wasn't a look of concern. It was a warning. "His

leaving me in the

feet. Each breath was a sharp stab in my side. I sh

ady purpling on her cheekbone. But it was her eyes that held me. They were

was alone.

right? Brennen can

tion in the mirror, her face once again a perfect p

just held her ga

the coldness she saw there. A flicke

, holding out a small ceramic pot. "I brought you some hea

. It was for the trouble

s a dry rasp. "I do

mile on her face tightened, then va

ropping to a venomous whisper. "Do you really think

malice. "You're the one being shipped off to marry that crippled monster, not me. You should be

, designed to inflict maximum pain. A

fueled the co

ch my own bruised lips. It wa

you smiling at? You wolfless freak

y voice quiet but steady. "You think you've e

y mind. Bristol, older, in a lavish room, her face bruised fa

just traded one cage for a prettier one. You'll run from the

struck a nerve, a hidden fear she must have ha

her hand

d shot out, my grip clumsy and

k in them. The absolute absence of fear. She stared at me, trul

g into a deep well, "we are done. You and I. The bond of

wrist, shovin

mall wardrobe and began pulling out the plainest, most severe dress

frozen, her face a maelst