Chapter 3. A Mother’s Lie, A Daughter’s Escape

Samantha moved like a fleeting shadow through the house.

With her mother’s advice, gone were her extravagant gowns and jewels. She wore a plain brown cloak, a faded linen dress beneath, and her thick hair was pulled into a tight, unflattering braid. The only thing she couldn’t hide was the fire burning in her eyes.

“Remember,” her mother whispered at the door, smoothing her cloak like a dutiful servant, “you are nobody there. At least not yet.”

Samantha gave a short nod, then slipped out the back gate and disappeared down the long road toward the Pack’s border.

She didn’t look back.

***

Minutes Later…

The front door burst open.

Cedric, Samantha’s father footsteps thundered into the house, his presence like a brewing storm. “Where is Samantha?!”

Lady Verena, ever the picture of calm poise, was seated in the lounge with a porcelain cup of tea in her hands, sipping slowly.

She looked up at her fuming mate with a gentle express