Chapter 83

A Year Ago.

The rain poured relentlessly, drumming against the Blackwood mansion like an omen. Thunder rumbled in the distance and its deep growl became barely audible over the sharp voices echoing through the halls.

Grace stood rigid in the center of the dimly lit study. Her chest was heaving, hands curled into tight fists at her sides. Her mind was a storm, barely holding back the waves of emotions crashed against the walls she had spent years building.

Across from her was Faith standing with her arms wrapped protectively around herself, her usually serene features tight with distress.

“You’re lying,” Grace said, her voice sharper than the crack of lightning outside. Her throat felt dry and her pulse was a violent thrum in her ears. “Tell me you’re lying, Faith.”

Her older sister didn’t move. She didn’t deny it.

And that, more than any shouted confession—was enough.

“I’m not,” Faith finally whispered, her voice barely above the sound of th