Jackson turned toward the door and called out, "Marta, come in."Marta stepped into the library, her face lined with years but her eyes bright and warm. She moved slowly, but there was a quiet strength in her presence.Jackson crossed to her and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Everyone, this is Marta. She's the healer from the mountain village. She saved my life."Ruth rose from her seat, her face softening. "You're the woman who helped my son?"Marta nodded, her voice steady. "I did what anyone would do. He was injured, and I tended to him. He needed to heal, so I helped him heal."Ruth crossed the room and took Marta's hands in hers. "Thank you. I can never repay you for what you've done."Marta smiled gently. "You don't have to. Seeing him reunited with his family is all the thanks I need."Jackson stepped forward, his voice filled with warmth. "Marta is a remarkable woman. She guided me through the mountains, crossed rivers with me, and never once gave up. She's family now."James

The following evening, the family gathered in the garden beneath a canopy of stars.The air was warm, carrying the scent of roses and freshly cut grass. Lanterns had been strung between the trees, casting a soft golden glow across the lawn. Someone had set up a small speaker, and gentle music drifted through the night.Marta stood at the edge of the garden, her hand resting on Miles's arm. She was wearing a simple blue dress that Ruth had lent her, her silver hair pinned back, her eyes bright with emotion."Are you ready?" Miles asked, his voice soft.Marta smiled, her heart full. "I've been ready for forty years."They stepped onto the grass, and Miles took her hand, his other hand resting gently on her waist. They began to move slowly, swaying to the music, their steps careful but filled with grace.The family watched in silence, their hearts touched by the sight. Jackson held Bella close, his arm wrapped around her. James and Nancy stood hand in hand. Ruth's eyes glistened as she w

The safe house was a crumbling relic on the city's edge, its windows boarded up, its walls covered in graffiti. To anyone passing by, it was just another abandoned building—forgotten, ignored, invisible.But Evans's team had confirmed it: the building was heavily guarded. Men with weapons patrolled the perimeter, their movements precise and professional. Marcia had spared no expense in securing her leverage.Jackson crouched behind a rusted dumpster, his eyes fixed on the building. Beside him, James and Andrew checked their weapons, their faces grim. Jason was there too, his hands trembling, his eyes desperate."Are you ready?" Jackson asked.Jason nodded, his voice barely a whisper. "I've been ready for months."The team moved at midnight.They slipped through the shadows, silent and swift. Evans's men took out the guards one by one, their movements coordinated and deadly. Jackson led the way, his heart pounding, his focus sharp.Jason followed close behind, his eyes fixed on the bui

Sophia sat in the quiet of Bella's sitting room, her hands wrapped around a cup of tea that had long gone cold. The fire crackled softly in the hearth, casting dancing shadows across the walls. Bella sat across from her, her eyes filled with concern."I don't know what to do, Bella," Sophia said, her voice barely a whisper. "I'm so angry at him. So hurt. But I can't stop thinking about him. I can't stop feeling—" She stopped, unable to finish.Bella leaned forward, her voice gentle. "Feeling what?"Sophia's eyes glistened. "Feeling like I still love him. Even after everything he did. It makes me feel so stupid."Bella reached out and took her hand. "You're not stupid, Sophia. You're human. You loved him, and he betrayed you. That kind of pain doesn't just disappear."Sophia shook her head. "But I should hate him. I should want nothing to do with him. Instead, I find myself hoping he'll come to me, hoping he'll make it right."Bella squeezed her hand. "That's the hardest part of being

The hallway was quiet, the portraits of long-dead Harts watching from the walls. Celestine had been walking toward the library when she heard voices—Marta and Miles, their tones low and urgent.She paused, her instincts prickling. She knew she shouldn't eavesdrop, but something about the tension in their voices made her hesitate. She pressed herself against the wall, hidden in the shadows."I'm telling you, Miles, you can't keep your secret forever," Marta said, her voice firm but gentle. "The longer you wait, the harder it will be. They deserve to know who you really are."Miles's voice was heavy with weariness. "I know, Marta. I know. But not yet. Not until after the great unleashing.""After?" Marta's voice sharpened. "What if there is no after? What if something happens to you before you can tell them?""Then it will be my burden to carry," Miles said. "But I cannot risk distracting them now. They need to focus on Marcia, on the ritual, on the sacrifice. If they know who I really