"Lordy, Miss Chrissi, how much ink did you swim in this morning?"
Elsie's voice rang out from the hallway just as Christina Hale stepped carefully out of her cloak, fingers still smudged faintly with ink. The scent of lavender starch trailed ahead as her maid entered carrying a basin, arms crossed and eyes narrowed fondly.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuvZwIr3Ub
"I got most of it off," Christina replied with a smirk, flexing her fingers. "Besides, the column's booming. Dozens of letters this week. One poor bride wants to know if her horse should match her carriage ribbons."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwOGCWj4YX
Elsie snorted. "She better hope the horse can spell his vows."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGejM5u1pf
Christina laughed, the sound light as spun sugar.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ87ol49gUC
Her silk skirts whispered as she glided down the grand staircase, her gown catching the golden light from the upper windows. The color—dusty periwinkle with a faint gold thread—made her feel like something from a painted portrait. She didn't mind.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnkEfWgphM
Behind her, Elsie murmured, mostly to herself, "Just once, I'd like one of these grooms to come with a brain instead of boots."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZqKIXrIwC
Christina smiled but didn't turn back. The show was about to begin.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCsVs7ZQGP
---
"Christina! Come meet our guest—he's interviewing us for that article. Something about colonial shipping."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VfRTKUauW
"Oh, it's... a piece on rising shipping lane enterprises," Ethen offered, "for a regional journal. Highlighting Loyalist firms with expanding colonial reach."
Thomas's voice carried easily from the drawing room, warm with the kind of pride that disguised possession.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRt1qWfxnTO
She descended with care, skirts floating behind her like a sigh. A second voice—young, steady—murmured in reply. Unfamiliar.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzJYMcLTE4
When she entered the tea room, it was already dressed for performance: gleaming porcelain, lemon curls in crystal, silver glinting on linen. The stranger stood as she entered.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnOsy6tjfi
"Miss Hale," he said with a respectful nod. "Ethan Tallmadge. My father runs a printshop in New Castle."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwANXjAT9s
"A man of ink." Christina returned the nod with practiced charm. "How fitting."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRtyLR13kW
Thomas motioned to the teapot. "Christina's our family scandal. Father bought her a little print shop years ago—thought it'd be a phase. Nothing extravagant, but it kept her entertained."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnxjMiTS64
"And profitable," she replied, easing into the chair across from Ethan. "The column—whoever writes it—has paid him back twice over so far."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiizxmoxeYm
Thomas chuckled, slicing a lemon with theatrical care. "He splits the earnings. Half goes into a trust Christina can dip into for anything Father won't approve of. The other half's earmarked for her future husband. Keeps the ledger tidy."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTJYoK2hDe
Christina stirred her tea with precision. "Of course. I'll marry well. My dowry will ensure it. Father finds love impractical—like poetry in a warehouse ledger. But I'm still attractive enough to be useful." She looked to Ethan. "Isn't that the phrase?"45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ763i59DSpJ
He didn't flinch, but his fingers had stilled slightly on the rim of his cup.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdJzqEqfPb
She tilted her head. "Will we be seeing you at the ball this evening?"45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEh9kDv2NY
He met her gaze steadily. "No, I'm afraid not. I've business in Richmond—deliveries to make, contacts to meet. I leave before dawn."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6y9vkCgUm
Thomas gave a short laugh, standing to retrieve his coat. "Well, you'll miss quite the ball. Every notable family will be there. A few promising suitors for Christina, too. We must marry her off before she starts forming opinions."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSj3rPvP8y
Christina stood with him, gloves already tucked in hand. Her smile was nearly radiant.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWnN0mByzj
"Well, Mr. Tallmadge," she said, "may Richmond bring you something... enlightening."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadbd9yCZH1
Ethan rose with them. "Next time I'm in Williamsburg, perhaps you'll show me your shop. Being a printer's son, I'd love to see what others are doing—especially if your anonymous column is that profitable. Might be something my family should invest in."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoW0GDf2IOZ
Thomas smirked. "Careful. She'll have you printing heartbreak and hair ribbons in a week."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnfUfveXkn
But Ethan's eyes stayed on hers. "Still profitable, though. And that's what matters."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RF01Ey7CG
Christina met his gaze with something more practiced than warmth. "Williamsburg," she said, looping her arm through her brother's, "has its own definition of value, Mr. Tallmadge."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfdxdNV0fK
And just like that, they swept from the room—Thomas full of ambition, Christina full of riddles, and Ethan with the distinct feeling that her ink could leave stains long after it dried.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8PCDp2JPS
And just like that, ink met match.
–––
The ballroom shimmered under the gentle glow of numerous candles. Music wafted from a string quartet tucked in the far corner, each note mingling with the subdued hum of refined conversation and laughter. Christina, her periwinkle gown and gold accents catching every stray beam of light, moved with poised deliberation across the polished floor, escorted by her ever-watchful brother, Thomas.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAnDoJQdPp
Before they reached the center of the room, a graceful figure in exquisite rose-hued satin appeared from the throng—a lady whose presence bespoke her status as one of the evening's hostesses. It was none other than the governor's wife, Mrs. Ashbury. With a warm smile and an assured nod, she gently steered Thomas aside for a brief private moment.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHG8evvyxHf
"Thomas," Mrs. Ashbury murmured as they strolled a side corridor draped in velvet, "it is my pleasure to introduce Mr. Benedict Amherst. His name has sparked no small amount of admiration in our circles."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2xBguMcUp
Her gaze slid meaningfully to Christina. "Do be a dear and present him to your sister."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkZAZhMZzg
Thomas's smile barely touched his eyes. "Miss Hale—Mr. Benedict Amherst. He hails from Norfolk, and has made rather a name for himself in maritime trade. A connection the Hale family would, I think, find... familiar."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MWz9C97Hm
He gestured broadly, as if casting a net made of expectations.
Benedict stepped forward. Tall, with measured grace and eyes that carried a hint of quiet calculation, he bowed slightly. "Miss Hale, it is an honor. I've heard that your reputation extends beyond mere beauty—into realms of enterprise and letters. I trust our acquaintance tonight shall be most enlightening."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDOP0RcK4B
"Mr. Amherst, how flattering. One hopes that a woman's wit might occasionally rise to meet her reputation. In my experience, ink and ingenuity are often the most underestimated forms of capital."
Mrs. Ashbury interjected lightly, "Indeed, Miss Hale. And it is my hope that the finest qualities be brought together tonight." Her tone was both encouraging and commanding, a reminder that even in this world of grand orchestration, every meeting was carefully arranged.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYD6b5CMbSd
Thomas offered a small, satisfied smile as he took a step back, allowing the conversation to settle between Christina and Benedict. The ambient murmurs of the ballroom swirled around them. In that brief exchange, the seed of intrigue was sown—each word measured, each glance weighted with potential. Christina's eyes glinted with the unspoken challenge of a woman who was as much a puzzle as she was a promise, while Benedict's steady gaze showed that he, too, was captivated by the prospect of what may lie beneath the flawless surface.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPdjoMrvKG
As the orchestra resumed a sweeping waltz, the trio moved together toward the dance floor—a deliberate and graceful progression into an evening where alliances were forged and reputations, like ink on fine paper, were destined to leave their mark.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOahZHkU4s
---
The waltz soared, its rhythm deliberate and delicate—exactly the kind that demanded practiced grace and a partner who understood tempo like a contract. Benedict led well, but not gently; his hold was firm, his gaze intent.
"So," he began smoothly, "your brother claims your little printshop is becoming quite the sensation."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCzwvUr6vL
Christina's smile softened without sweetening. "Only among the ribbon-obsessed and the heartbroken. But yes—the column earns its keep."
"And your father allows this... enterprise?"
"He takes his half," she replied, voice light. "It was his gift to begin with. But the shop is mine, legally. The deed bears my name."
Benedict's steps didn't falter—but she felt something shift in the flex of his arm. "For now."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzDXYy4fDa
She tilted her chin. "There's a clause in the marriage contract. The property and profits remain with me. Permanently."
A pause.
"Very forward-thinking," he said, evenly.
"I've always liked being ahead of the press run," she replied with a pleasant shrug.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pZJjTooHY
As the dance ended, a flushed young man with soft curls and nervous hands stepped forward, bowing with clear effort.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfL81ZZyUo
"Miss Hale," he stammered, "if you're not already—might I have the next dance?"
He was respectable, but modestly born. His collar was slightly wilted.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJY94FZvUr
Before Christina could part her lips, Benedict stepped half a pace forward.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBe7Oe3bba
"She's otherwise engaged," he said, clipped and cool.
The young man blinked. "I—I didn't realize. My apologies."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYynTUbF1M
Benedict didn't answer. The boy turned, crestfallen, disappearing into the crowd.
Christina glanced up at her partner. "Was that necessary?"
His smile didn't reach his eyes. "He's beneath your station."
"I see," she said quietly.
She didn't say more, but her expression smoothed into something unreadable—beautiful, courteous, and distant as the moon behind lace.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaVyTDE1Do
---45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxgsyNYnjx
They moved to the punch table, where crystal bowls gleamed and laughter floated like perfume. The sting of citrus and crushed berries filled the air.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6wUv4Sg77
"Amherst," a voice called. "By God, I thought you'd ducked the candlelight."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAn3FiPU6n
A uniformed officer approached—braided epaulets, boots dusted faintly with travel. His face was lean, eyes sharp.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATrTMEK8ND
"Winslow," Benedict greeted, clapping his shoulder. "Did they drag you out of the field with promises of cake and coquettes?"45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2gFRxpvhJ
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJy1MynwM7F
"I needed both," the lieutenant said with a half-smile. "But I came for news."
He lowered his voice, glancing at the gathered crowd. "Word is there's a Continental sympathizer operating here in Williamsburg. Not a soldier. Someone quiet. Possibly a woman."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6f8CvNWmX4
Benedict scoffed. "A woman? Scribbling secrets between embroidery threads?"45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYw740ri36
"They think she's using a local business," Winslow said. "Maybe a shop or press. Gossip as cover for messages. Clever work."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzjUVwH19u
Christina widened her eyes with perfect concern.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0VX4kQHMy
"Oh my," she said softly. "A woman doing all that thinking? I couldn't imagine being clever enough to scheme like that."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPofsHdfcSa
Winslow chuckled.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLk0nxBsZkj
She turned her gaze to him, soft and silken. "I'm quite lucky, you know. Born into the right family. I'll find a charming husband, plan a luncheon or two, maybe name a spaniel after a virtue. That's the best kind of life, isn't it, Lieutenant?"45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTY62YBY5L
Winslow blinked—then smiled. "Yes, Miss Hale. Arguably the most dangerous kind."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GNRo1zKbY
She laughed, lilting and warm. "Only if the punch is too sweet."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYoUPVyLSBo
The men returned to their low murmurings. Christina took a slow sip and looked out across the crowd—memorizing names, faces, uniforms, and a single whispered port city she'd overheard.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1xxOIfwut
She smiled, and filed it away.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuBoSGqJy0
---45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91cYFHf2B6
The orchestra struck the opening notes of another waltz—slower this time, ceremonial. Benedict extended his hand with a stiff smile. "Shall we?"45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72GXrlZEfB
Christina hesitated just long enough to make it a choice—then nodded. "Of course."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hv0wHilcU
They danced without words for the first half. His form was impeccable, his focus unwavering, yet she noticed it now—the way his jaw tensed when he wasn't speaking, the calculated grip of his hand at her back.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVU61AwqDhB
When the music faded, he bowed deeply. "Thank you, Miss Hale. I look forward to... future conversation."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmef9kXmZE
"And I," she replied, with a smile that gave nothing away.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqe6jmVEwC
As Benedict disappeared into the crowd, Thomas reappeared at her side, offering his arm.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFNAPmgXRY
"Well?" he asked under his breath, all pleasantness dropped. "Was he attentive? Appropriately impressed? Considering a formal call?"45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhXhs4Bhxy
Christina didn't answer at first. Her fan hovered slightly above her corset.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpQGcl4OAg
"He asked thoughtful questions. But not about me. Not really. About the shop. About my dowry. And when I corrected him on ownership, he didn't like it."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUEqho0Vbp
Thomas sighed, already tired of nuance. "None of that matters."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsu2SsM09L9
She looked up at him sharply.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3IHHFQ1At
He added, "You're not marrying someone for their tolerance. You're marrying for the ledger. And he's right—those boys who stumble over their collars and ask for dances like favors? They're beneath you."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngmddLFu8W
Christina's jaw tightened, but she kept walking.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1TYumsJuq
Only when they reached the edge of the ballroom did she murmur, "I'd rather be underestimated by an honest man... than tolerated by one who wants to amend the terms."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCqEA73fEw
Thomas didn't reply.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvmwlet7Kq
He didn't have to.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82qSv7E4Dy
---45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsz4OS3LfO
As they reached the edge of the ballroom, Thomas adjusted his cuff and leaned in, his voice low and clipped.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcnXHRxHpd
"Well, you can dance with one of the other eligible bachelors," he said, scanning the crowd, "or we can go home for the night. Your call."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JAO6JBSQd
Christina didn't hesitate.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3YNf65OuB
"Home," she said, already turning. "I've played the part tonight. I'd rather not repeat my lines."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhjhl2x9af
Thomas raised a brow but said nothing more.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBeoTdxg62
By the time the carriage pulled away from the glowing estate windows, she was staring out into the dark—counting how long before the hallway lamps would dim. Before the servants retired. Before the city drifted into quiet, and the only sound left in the world would be the turning of a press.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMgLqmsb7x
---45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpr7fSNdBn
The Hale carriage rattled softly through the narrow brick streets, lanterns casting pale gold shadows against the velvet interior. The night had quieted, but tension settled thick between brother and sister.
Thomas exhaled through his nose and broke the silence.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMqhpaQi13
"You know this is for your good, Christina."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzBeyPxhpu
She didn't look at him.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzkGk23EWj
"You don't want to end up an old maid," he continued. "Benedict Amherst is well connected, tasteful, wealthy—"45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPgUipNPLy
"Ambitious," she supplied, still watching the window.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkW50WwwCNR
"You could do far worse. He's interested in you, and if you marry him, the Hale name will be set for decades."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTRgMRVESQ
She turned then. Slowly. Calmly.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDP9SBYSnZ
"No. You would be."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4cOGWNQ0q
Thomas blinked.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1NkrZPgf8
Christina's voice didn't rise. It didn't need to.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnh6GubtYz
"I don't get a penny from the shipping side of Father's estate. When he dies, every ship, every ledger, every crate marked with Hale goes to you. Not me."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlaflVmr3c
Her gloves were in her lap now, neatly folded.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBR1QtyeIAK
"Who I marry elevates you. Every handshake, every investment—every child I produce will carry your legacy. Not mine."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlyOZkF24G
Thomas shifted uncomfortably, suddenly unsure of the upholstery.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ryGlUemCY
"So," she said, still quiet, "the next time you parade me through a ballroom and call it charity, try saying thank you instead."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74fUeRe4yJ
He opened his mouth.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kmouX3gAE
She didn't let him speak.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyhT8syMB6
"You may be the next Sir Hale," she finished, folding her hands. "But it's who I marry that makes you more profitable. Not me."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrP9nY1pXN
The rest of the ride passed in silence.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Ng9OGtycd
And as they reached the glowing drive of the Hale estate, Christina smiled faintly.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccKERw5R8a
"I'll do my part," she murmured, stepping down. "You don't have to worry about that. I'm a Hale, after all."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaZDlII71u
---45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSV37l8LCj
The Hale estate slept.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBJqBoDtiE
Its windows dimmed one by one, shutters closed against the moonlight. The hallways hushed, the servants' footsteps stilled. Somewhere, a candelabra guttered into silence.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbJUtL4uiH
And Christina Hale slipped out the kitchen door with a ribbon-wrapped parcel and purpose in her step.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpYPqR8cZ2
Her slippers barely kissed the bricks as she moved—skirt hem pinned, curls tucked into the hood of a charcoal cloak. No jewelry. No paint. Just breath and silk and the weight of knowing.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqzRGEodzC
The city was different at 3:18 a.m.—all soft echoes and old smells. Yeast and salt, the faint iron of the port. She let herself into the print shop with a key she'd had cut by a locksmith who once asked no questions.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3T6JOZiWS
Inside, the air was cold but loyal. She didn't light every lamp. Just the one she needed. The press loomed in its corner like a silent sentinel, the plate waiting for her next breath.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLl9VyJ0Wj2
She slipped the parcel onto the table and unwrapped it: a velvet-bound notebook, ribbon-tied ink, and the latest letters she'd collected.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4P3V7kgaNM
But she had written this one herself, by candlelight in her room, waiting for the household to sleep. Should she print it? Should she throw it away? She didn't know what to do.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGHhSioBrm
Dear Miss Ginny,45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwx2KmPWm2
To whom it may concern—
Somewhere in the shops or homes of our quiet Williamsburg—our city we like to think is far from the world's turning—a name is being whispered. A possible spy against the English crown.
I do not know who they are. But loyalist households are murmuring, and the circle is tightening.
Could you imagine? Betraying your country in such a way? What would you do, Miss Ginny? What should someone do, if they suspect something?
— A Concerned Citizen
She took a clean sheet. Dipped the quill.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyinxDYOYi5
To whom it may concern,45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEknMP0rbBk
If your information is correct, then the war is far closer than many of us would like to believe. And if that is the case—it could be anyone. Anywhere. A shopkeeper. A scholar. A guest at the last ball.
My advice to you is this: stay vigilant. Be careful where you go. Be careful who you're with.
What is whispered in a safe room today may echo loudly in a courtroom tomorrow.
— Your friend,
Ginny
She stared down at the typeset reply signed Your friend, Ginny, the press oiled and ready to run.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ftVIdLUno
But her fingers didn't move.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpXdoHenyS
What you're about to do, she thought, they'd call treason.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJn0dteyBeO
Thomas. Father. Every guest in that ballroom. Every man who clapped Benedict Amherst on the back. To them, this wasn't journalism. It wasn't morality. It was betrayal.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDJqu6KdqO
And she was a Hale.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmglgNPkpq
She pressed her palm flat against the pressplate, feeling the cool metal bite against her skin. She thought of the family crest above the study door. Of her father's voice, crisp and tired: We don't trade in whispers, Christina. We trade in goods. In loyalty.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchheXDTrgv
But what if this was loyalty? Not to a crown. Not to a name.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuOTC0NhC4
To a life. To a girl she'd never met. To someone being hunted for secrets—and the silence that would let it happen.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvosnmdizb
What if someone's daughter was about to die because everyone else stayed quiet?45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Y17LNR5Rp
Her hand moved.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWBDpeCsAV
She slid the two sheets into the stack.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMDMZsJG9L
And just before pulling the impression lever, she whispered aloud, as if the press might understand:45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFaB5AP3Ogu
"This isn't disloyalty. This is witnessing."
---
She returned just before dawn.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpzSodotOx
The Hale estate was still and shadowed, the windows dulled with morning fog. No one stirred as she slipped inside. Her slippers were damp, the hem of her cloak scented with ash and ink.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPRQoNh564
Upstairs, her room was unchanged—lace curtains, soft woolen quilt, a porcelain brush untouched since dusk.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8g3QokN5FU
She washed her hands in a basin too cold to calm her.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOrDPsOV5B
The ink didn't fully lift.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TfGMk89DG
She crawled into bed with her gloves tucked beneath the pillow and her fingers still stained, heart still echoing with the sound of type striking plate. It should have felt like safety.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMElcaMI7GA
Instead, it felt like waiting.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktpkGsAtw8
What if they find the column? What if someone sees beneath the name "Ginny"?45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWK0eSrcpOe
She turned onto her side, tucking the blankets around her ribs. Her throat ached. Her breath wouldn't settle.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7yOQhKZus
She loved her family.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64vcjPiMve
But she had done the right thing.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQNokqQRfj
Hadn't she?45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcZ4WLONZw
She closed her eyes, but the question curled into the dark with her, quiet and sharp as ink on the inside of a glove.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdvabQphvS
Who are you becoming, Christina Hale?45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjYcRrE0Ch
And deeper still—45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzmLy2Pq1o
Can you ever become someone else... and still be a Hale at all?45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgsJxgxEni
然後按「加至主畫面」