Chapter 17. Venom

Later that evening, when the estate had quieted and only the faint glow of lanterns lit the corridors, Theo returned to Rina’s chambers. He found her sitting near the window, her hair loose, her eyes thoughtful as though her mind had been turning over something for hours.

He immediately sensed her hesitation. “What’s wrong?” he asked, his voice firm, low, already braced for trouble.

Rina looked at him, her lips parting slowly. “Samantha came to see me today.”

Theo froze. Just the sound of that name was enough to set his jaw tight. His eyes darkened, and the hand resting casually at his side curled into a fist. “Samantha?” he repeated, each syllable clipped with warning.

Rina nodded carefully. “She… came disguised as a maid. She brought my meal. At first, I was shocked—furious even. But then…” She trailed off, biting her lip. “She fell to her knees, Theo. She wept. She said her father cast her out, that she’s been wandering ever since. She begged for forgivene