Chapter 5 - THE SISTERS WHO KNEW THE SECRET
Vivian Harrow had never liked her youngest sister.
That was the truth.
Elara had been born when Vivian was seven.
Their father had ordered everyone to treat the baby as though she didn't exist.
Vivian had obeyed.
At first because she was frightened.
Later because obedience became easier than guilt.
Claire had been different.
She had secretly brought Elara books.
Food.
Warm clothes.
But she had never challenged their father openly.
Now both sisters stood in Damian's council chamber.
Vivian looked furious.
Claire looked exhausted.
Damian sat at the head of the table.
“I want the truth.”
Vivian lifted her chin.
“About what?”
“Elara.”
Claire closed her eyes.
Damian looked at her.
“Start talking.”
Claire swallowed.
“Our mother died when Elara was born.”
Damian nodded.
“Go on.”
“Father said Elara was cursed.”
Vivian looked away.
Claire continued.
“He claimed her birth caused Mother's death.”
Damian's jaw tightened.
“And you believed him?”
Claire's eyes filled.
“I was five.”
Silence.
Vivian crossed her arms.
“Elara was always strange.”
Damian turned toward her.
“Strange how?”
Vivian hesitated.
“Animals followed her. Injured wolves calmed around her. When she cried, the house lights flickered.”
Gideon Ashcroft, standing near the window, went still.
Damian noticed.
“What?”
Gideon whispered, “Moonborn manifestations.”
Vivian stared.
Claire looked up sharply.
Damian leaned forward.
“Did your father give Elara medication?”
Claire nodded.
“Every evening.”
“Who prescribed it?”
“Dr. Alistair Voss.”
Gideon's face changed.
“Voss?”
Damian looked at him.
“You know him?”
Gideon swallowed.
“He served the families involved in the Silver Purge.”
Silence.
Damian's eyes hardened.
“Where is he now?”
Claire hesitated.
“He visited Harrow Manor three days ago.”
Damian stood.
“Why?”
Claire looked terrified.
“Because Father told him Elara had begun dreaming about a silver wolf.”
Gideon whispered something in an ancient language.
Damian turned.
“What does that mean?”
May you like
Gideon looked pale.
“It means her wolf is waking.”
