The heavy oak door barely contained the chaos inside, but the muffled sounds did little to shield me from the intensity of what lay beyond it. I could hear the young lady's sobs, raw and unrestrained, each one slicing through the air. Tristan's voice rang clear and commanding, a defiance I recognised all too well. This is my son, the heir to my throne.
I can only press my back against the cold wall, closing my eyes. How many times had I promised myself that this violent legacy would end with me? That my children would never inherit the burden of my sins? And yet, here we were, with Tristan forging his own fiery path, pulling someone innocent into the blaze.
As I listened, I heard her whisper, "Then I'll stay," and a brutal twist gripped my heart. It wasn't just weakness or disgust; it was a raw ache of guilt combined with a sliver of respect. In that moment, I realised she had more strength than I had ever given her credit for. Yet, in this treacherous world, I knew that strength alone wouldn't be enough.
I turned away before they could catch a glimpse of my struggle, my footsteps echoing in the corridor like a warning. For now, I would keep watch over them, all for the sake of my peace of mind. However, if Ellie was genuinely willing to stand by Tristan's side, she would need to prove her determination, not just to me, but against the very life she had chosen.
I found myself hoping and praying that God would be there to guide us all if she ever faltered.
-
Morning light gently poured through the tall Donovan windows, breathing new life into the once-stifling house and filling it with warmth and hope. I slowly woke up, cocooned in Tristan's jacket, the familiar and comforting scent wrapping around me like a reassuring embrace. After everything that had happened, I finally felt my heartbeat steady, a reassuring pulse of determination taking the place of fear.
Marie found me in the kitchen, her usual grace tinged with a quiet strength. She handed me a plate and asked me to help with the coffee, her silent message clear. This was her way of saying, You belong, but you must learn to stand tall on your own.
"Don't let fear dictate your choices, Ellie," she said, her eyes warm but unwavering. "Fear has shattered enough lives already."
I nodded, feeling a lump rise in my throat. I could now understand how Marie's words touched upon Edward, Tristan, and maybe even myself.
As Tristan strode into the kitchen, sleeves rolled up and hair still damp from a recent shower, the atmosphere crackled with an electric tension that was impossible to ignore. I could feel Marie's concerned gaze flitting between us, her silence echoing louder than any words of judgment could.
I pondered deeply, could I truly bear the weight of this moment beside him? Was I ready to step into the chaos of power, danger, and the secrets that lay hidden just beneath our surface?
His hand brushed against mine as he passed me the coffee, and in that instant, our eyes locked. The intensity of his gaze sent a jolt through me, reigniting the silent vow we exchanged last night. "You're mine, and nothing will tear us apart," echoed in my mind, setting my heart ablaze with the passion that simmered just beneath the surface.
In the depths of my heart, I declared, I will fight for this, fight for him, for us, and this battle is just the beginning.