"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.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5FLiC6ZwV
"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."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fDNcfrqey
Elsie snorted. "She better hope the horse can spell his vows."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2UqX1bLdN
Christina laughed, the sound light as spun sugar.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3fXhfGcdu
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.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxYhg3f3ru
Behind her, Elsie murmured, mostly to herself, "Just once, I'd like one of these grooms to come with a brain instead of boots."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Jpx3oRUZN
Christina smiled but didn't turn back. The show was about to begin.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPsOhBhOTE
---
"Christina! Come meet our guest—he's interviewing us for that article. Something about colonial shipping."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1x3xrDn5ih
"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.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXdG3NbcWB
She descended with care, skirts floating behind her like a sigh. A second voice—young, steady—murmured in reply. Unfamiliar.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQi2IhjUtDa
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.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLTKyqJAWY
"Miss Hale," he said with a respectful nod. "Ethan Tallmadge. My father runs a printshop in New Castle."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3i7HzNAoa
"A man of ink." Christina returned the nod with practiced charm. "How fitting."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLiyaTJMfoo
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."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcjOQizGE3
"And profitable," she replied, easing into the chair across from Ethan. "The column—whoever writes it—has paid him back twice over so far."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGpb9E2i6p
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."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNw1K8Kq8n4
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?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQ6MNRlRVY
He didn't flinch, but his fingers had stilled slightly on the rim of his cup.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbw7GXJW5I
She tilted her head. "Will we be seeing you at the ball this evening?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKftj7bTLQ
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."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoU3wBJbxzC
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."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuMDg0wMdY
Christina stood with him, gloves already tucked in hand. Her smile was nearly radiant.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4M89AoBvF
"Well, Mr. Tallmadge," she said, "may Richmond bring you something... enlightening."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4TJBFio91
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."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vKrwUwqql
Thomas smirked. "Careful. She'll have you printing heartbreak and hair ribbons in a week."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ001yW9h7qm
But Ethan's eyes stayed on hers. "Still profitable, though. And that's what matters."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadb22l5b8i
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."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1zFB9AFik
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.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicVvOoXFTy
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.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6VKhCNH7E
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.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7xlJMfn1K
"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."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIQlcVXBTV
Her gaze slid meaningfully to Christina. "Do be a dear and present him to your sister."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZMLpQETLv
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."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmuxs8mxym
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."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2r7cmPiBQC
"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.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFzcBqUDSa
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.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPQVzJPKTR
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.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDsY2LZI2D
---
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."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VUYwFIyFH
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."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrtSBPHIWB
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.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfZrmFvhsY
As the dance ended, a flushed young man with soft curls and nervous hands stepped forward, bowing with clear effort.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HewwfdtBM
"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.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3bAvvjQrP
Before Christina could part her lips, Benedict stepped half a pace forward.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIcQC4Wgbf
"She's otherwise engaged," he said, clipped and cool.
The young man blinked. "I—I didn't realize. My apologies."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlONy0aQ2B
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.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxuioEWOuX
---127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngKVWLKofd
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.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhUwxGavLS
"Amherst," a voice called. "By God, I thought you'd ducked the candlelight."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQ5epmL51M
A uniformed officer approached—braided epaulets, boots dusted faintly with travel. His face was lean, eyes sharp.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfK21J64m7b
"Winslow," Benedict greeted, clapping his shoulder. "Did they drag you out of the field with promises of cake and coquettes?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MM23KFN9W
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEvUnsd3ZB
"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."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIp1yc77hC
Benedict scoffed. "A woman? Scribbling secrets between embroidery threads?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lX4VjgJmB
"They think she's using a local business," Winslow said. "Maybe a shop or press. Gossip as cover for messages. Clever work."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDasJbqOtCh
Christina widened her eyes with perfect concern.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUODzUdKvz
"Oh my," she said softly. "A woman doing all that thinking? I couldn't imagine being clever enough to scheme like that."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssTsYVQKXX
Winslow chuckled.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNf270S3OV8
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?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9javyFd7SI
Winslow blinked—then smiled. "Yes, Miss Hale. Arguably the most dangerous kind."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpsApWWnCR
She laughed, lilting and warm. "Only if the punch is too sweet."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4EztjVWDO
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.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoF6ugPTlE
She smiled, and filed it away.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaE23Ku7h9
---127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lXxoX71rU
The orchestra struck the opening notes of another waltz—slower this time, ceremonial. Benedict extended his hand with a stiff smile. "Shall we?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCtOhdpSo9
Christina hesitated just long enough to make it a choice—then nodded. "Of course."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjdLEMHcbW
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.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJ2wKt1Gbm
When the music faded, he bowed deeply. "Thank you, Miss Hale. I look forward to... future conversation."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1tPswJV5D
"And I," she replied, with a smile that gave nothing away.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDF9leWqo6
As Benedict disappeared into the crowd, Thomas reappeared at her side, offering his arm.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakYX1frSs9
"Well?" he asked under his breath, all pleasantness dropped. "Was he attentive? Appropriately impressed? Considering a formal call?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnC5b2Jk5eP
Christina didn't answer at first. Her fan hovered slightly above her corset.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcQRrGIVY4
"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."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvwvRXP96I
Thomas sighed, already tired of nuance. "None of that matters."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMnGZsd7nM
She looked up at him sharply.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDCzK8C2TV
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."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGDuDIHrtY
Christina's jaw tightened, but she kept walking.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnnNYa3Czg
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."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmazJsuASEm
Thomas didn't reply.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgb9CZZigOH
He didn't have to.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYN8Mhmnoyu
---127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbys2ZsSwFU
As they reached the edge of the ballroom, Thomas adjusted his cuff and leaned in, his voice low and clipped.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBhean2NEc
"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."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSN3gKi8Dl
Christina didn't hesitate.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rKad29xU0
"Home," she said, already turning. "I've played the part tonight. I'd rather not repeat my lines."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyj9C6Qr98Z
Thomas raised a brow but said nothing more.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1OeozgUeY
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.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTdYpdO2Kf
---127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAJEFQM0gI
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.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qmImv2QRN
"You know this is for your good, Christina."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOklJomidcO
She didn't look at him.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKOGRZD7KD
"You don't want to end up an old maid," he continued. "Benedict Amherst is well connected, tasteful, wealthy—"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ911J4r556Y
"Ambitious," she supplied, still watching the window.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93hCRFgFTj
"You could do far worse. He's interested in you, and if you marry him, the Hale name will be set for decades."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CaEflBo3J
She turned then. Slowly. Calmly.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDCrzbwZdQ
"No. You would be."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcPORPVBAY
Thomas blinked.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlXEmY910p
Christina's voice didn't rise. It didn't need to.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2bws23Gu4
"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."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZAzsHJCCD
Her gloves were in her lap now, neatly folded.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Pf9TrDyMt
"Who I marry elevates you. Every handshake, every investment—every child I produce will carry your legacy. Not mine."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JI5uT1cMW
Thomas shifted uncomfortably, suddenly unsure of the upholstery.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmrjepAoAy
"So," she said, still quiet, "the next time you parade me through a ballroom and call it charity, try saying thank you instead."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXzxTGaZLU
He opened his mouth.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFub2KgeQn
She didn't let him speak.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqttDL4JLz
"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."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28l1YeBt3c
The rest of the ride passed in silence.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5e6kzNuUl
And as they reached the glowing drive of the Hale estate, Christina smiled faintly.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksb1lzMiac
"I'll do my part," she murmured, stepping down. "You don't have to worry about that. I'm a Hale, after all."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhs5QNG283p
---127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kxBYHlwdc
The Hale estate slept.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcniU7AsXOH
Its windows dimmed one by one, shutters closed against the moonlight. The hallways hushed, the servants' footsteps stilled. Somewhere, a candelabra guttered into silence.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9pFr8utLp
And Christina Hale slipped out the kitchen door with a ribbon-wrapped parcel and purpose in her step.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKv6K6usdCW
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.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAG80sjTGH
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.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioYZfkpTlz
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.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5dVhTRn0g
She slipped the parcel onto the table and unwrapped it: a velvet-bound notebook, ribbon-tied ink, and the latest letters she'd collected.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFw8kWvTRIV
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.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQ5kQ41mKv
Dear Miss Ginny,127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBequZGl3de
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.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCt7d6Elnu
To whom it may concern,127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1y6Eub37tD
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.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErGICUruyZ
But her fingers didn't move.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKYO89TRTK
What you're about to do, she thought, they'd call treason.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2T4QyYNQHF
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.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bzhf7RQaf
And she was a Hale.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvXP0wbLq2
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.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxBpM9F77b
But what if this was loyalty? Not to a crown. Not to a name.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNu9GL0X2L8
To a life. To a girl she'd never met. To someone being hunted for secrets—and the silence that would let it happen.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJKoHexKQ0
What if someone's daughter was about to die because everyone else stayed quiet?127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXywwldEHs
Her hand moved.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSh5KnaYZ4L
She slid the two sheets into the stack.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHF82Ej8ifW
And just before pulling the impression lever, she whispered aloud, as if the press might understand:127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJumdFNJ1hs
"This isn't disloyalty. This is witnessing."
---
She returned just before dawn.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQBzRiA3x7
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.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVo1YBHmcp
Upstairs, her room was unchanged—lace curtains, soft woolen quilt, a porcelain brush untouched since dusk.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw86FlvSvpw
She washed her hands in a basin too cold to calm her.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrBsUutNdA
The ink didn't fully lift.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63QOi4nEEp
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.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFk8B1foUR
Instead, it felt like waiting.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrS6ieBvjCy
What if they find the column? What if someone sees beneath the name "Ginny"?127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QVGZ20MSp
She turned onto her side, tucking the blankets around her ribs. Her throat ached. Her breath wouldn't settle.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMEnAMzjKl
She loved her family.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKVC42SlYX
But she had done the right thing.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8XcJGIWim
Hadn't she?127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhX08QO3Ye
She closed her eyes, but the question curled into the dark with her, quiet and sharp as ink on the inside of a glove.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67L37xL4l1
Who are you becoming, Christina Hale?127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUON1hIFXa
And deeper still—127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdBWqg0lR3
Can you ever become someone else... and still be a Hale at all?127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHQLiGULNj
然後按「加至主畫面」