"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.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDcfMiTWfy
"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."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYA3dgMWKkc
Elsie snorted. "She better hope the horse can spell his vows."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSlHfTY01j
Christina laughed, the sound light as spun sugar.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIHCj0QbKr
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.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVDvDtCmTp
Behind her, Elsie murmured, mostly to herself, "Just once, I'd like one of these grooms to come with a brain instead of boots."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyytDzlTlD
Christina smiled but didn't turn back. The show was about to begin.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxRt7KsE06
---
"Christina! Come meet our guest—he's interviewing us for that article. Something about colonial shipping."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzo37rkVGL
"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.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJX8hBkFeBo
She descended with care, skirts floating behind her like a sigh. A second voice—young, steady—murmured in reply. Unfamiliar.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGOcruaAR6
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.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATGpJLate0
"Miss Hale," he said with a respectful nod. "Ethan Tallmadge. My father runs a printshop in New Castle."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpp3MNet45
"A man of ink." Christina returned the nod with practiced charm. "How fitting."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrfd75nh2z
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."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgzwErUV4R
"And profitable," she replied, easing into the chair across from Ethan. "The column—whoever writes it—has paid him back twice over so far."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LfQqQ3FFH
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."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4Aj779Chc
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?"30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN76S8ij1WZ
He didn't flinch, but his fingers had stilled slightly on the rim of his cup.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcs87oMgmDE
She tilted her head. "Will we be seeing you at the ball this evening?"30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAV13NWqkWY
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."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGYvj1LxqA
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."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsQlXQiBXl
Christina stood with him, gloves already tucked in hand. Her smile was nearly radiant.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrUG5ynhQq
"Well, Mr. Tallmadge," she said, "may Richmond bring you something... enlightening."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCTI7UVeIf
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."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsmMWdwhWE
Thomas smirked. "Careful. She'll have you printing heartbreak and hair ribbons in a week."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEMxPLOpJL
But Ethan's eyes stayed on hers. "Still profitable, though. And that's what matters."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXK0l0jhJZ
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."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOwfETG5qg
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.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMaIM1cX6T
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.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkjpU6kvzI
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.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznvU25T9kY
"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."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOFEhplFFG
Her gaze slid meaningfully to Christina. "Do be a dear and present him to your sister."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvtyhUEOOD
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."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7zcgawQon
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."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsxETfs1Zu
"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.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUHFE1UIbR
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.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlyurgqnNt
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.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtAJLs37h0
---
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."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfUzSWAW54
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."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZQImhEN05
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.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69qUjBnFKC
As the dance ended, a flushed young man with soft curls and nervous hands stepped forward, bowing with clear effort.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NpRbH3V0i
"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.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7J6tjLDkT
Before Christina could part her lips, Benedict stepped half a pace forward.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08obF2HbD8
"She's otherwise engaged," he said, clipped and cool.
The young man blinked. "I—I didn't realize. My apologies."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXDJHaf3fV
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.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Ptvbewe7L
---30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TiKeHxkqh
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.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Xx4shOx7l
"Amherst," a voice called. "By God, I thought you'd ducked the candlelight."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwY3eevEXjA
A uniformed officer approached—braided epaulets, boots dusted faintly with travel. His face was lean, eyes sharp.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqmmsaz0ix
"Winslow," Benedict greeted, clapping his shoulder. "Did they drag you out of the field with promises of cake and coquettes?"30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIDLDGVpiG
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJIlhwkvSN
"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."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19rhuSbMkS
Benedict scoffed. "A woman? Scribbling secrets between embroidery threads?"30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbZSj3GgP1
"They think she's using a local business," Winslow said. "Maybe a shop or press. Gossip as cover for messages. Clever work."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBX289GDEI
Christina widened her eyes with perfect concern.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6dOIolHib
"Oh my," she said softly. "A woman doing all that thinking? I couldn't imagine being clever enough to scheme like that."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2O5NNVkt7R
Winslow chuckled.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSkwiODmRo
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?"30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfosyTKF8Q
Winslow blinked—then smiled. "Yes, Miss Hale. Arguably the most dangerous kind."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhoFIBHrAx
She laughed, lilting and warm. "Only if the punch is too sweet."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡle3pPXqdHx
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.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7b5QyDzpoI
She smiled, and filed it away.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XUgUiSzZI
---30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWENZtmQNvb
The orchestra struck the opening notes of another waltz—slower this time, ceremonial. Benedict extended his hand with a stiff smile. "Shall we?"30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfNUbWnOI7
Christina hesitated just long enough to make it a choice—then nodded. "Of course."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqqvacWvvk
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.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyGDqfM0kF
When the music faded, he bowed deeply. "Thank you, Miss Hale. I look forward to... future conversation."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5c6ExEb9dV
"And I," she replied, with a smile that gave nothing away.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKlWLMs0h3
As Benedict disappeared into the crowd, Thomas reappeared at her side, offering his arm.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7BQTPOYYR
"Well?" he asked under his breath, all pleasantness dropped. "Was he attentive? Appropriately impressed? Considering a formal call?"30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJz0z6IX2R
Christina didn't answer at first. Her fan hovered slightly above her corset.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBvbhk4I0c
"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."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7G9jzxKyeT
Thomas sighed, already tired of nuance. "None of that matters."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8DDwT7RYB
She looked up at him sharply.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyHgXr17kj
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."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsn02wqHFM
Christina's jaw tightened, but she kept walking.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJD5qyz3cTH
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."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaoDf7vF2OQ
Thomas didn't reply.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSZ4ReTYmW
He didn't have to.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ172orFphPc
---30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlr2GTatWJa
As they reached the edge of the ballroom, Thomas adjusted his cuff and leaned in, his voice low and clipped.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqxFC63UyR
"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."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDxTUtOk4Y
Christina didn't hesitate.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CZG20L9kN
"Home," she said, already turning. "I've played the part tonight. I'd rather not repeat my lines."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFlBhI38rh
Thomas raised a brow but said nothing more.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3gWKw73o7
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.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpW5PwnH4dV
---30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZwCSmZDrd
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.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKG5DB2q2SP
"You know this is for your good, Christina."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJBnxxAW5j
She didn't look at him.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuqWENQFoP
"You don't want to end up an old maid," he continued. "Benedict Amherst is well connected, tasteful, wealthy—"30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9iN6rsN3L
"Ambitious," she supplied, still watching the window.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeovBC7mJza
"You could do far worse. He's interested in you, and if you marry him, the Hale name will be set for decades."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNf3KHcTxPN
She turned then. Slowly. Calmly.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8e92fKNcGt
"No. You would be."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhm77WdUWRz
Thomas blinked.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsRm0u8bVY
Christina's voice didn't rise. It didn't need to.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykVnAaymLM
"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."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8X0LzqXfMR
Her gloves were in her lap now, neatly folded.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6g3XGs84SW
"Who I marry elevates you. Every handshake, every investment—every child I produce will carry your legacy. Not mine."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmHnIa0Lie
Thomas shifted uncomfortably, suddenly unsure of the upholstery.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhS0paZoeQ2
"So," she said, still quiet, "the next time you parade me through a ballroom and call it charity, try saying thank you instead."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLQvTBSGrH
He opened his mouth.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrIJAmSN6G
She didn't let him speak.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CM6rKxSVT
"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."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMe2oMcdff
The rest of the ride passed in silence.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbD38TpjyIK
And as they reached the glowing drive of the Hale estate, Christina smiled faintly.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzdMgugkzU
"I'll do my part," she murmured, stepping down. "You don't have to worry about that. I'm a Hale, after all."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64lITZgacY
---30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWtvZDruS9
The Hale estate slept.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhdfiswezo
Its windows dimmed one by one, shutters closed against the moonlight. The hallways hushed, the servants' footsteps stilled. Somewhere, a candelabra guttered into silence.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3C9qTLBTv
And Christina Hale slipped out the kitchen door with a ribbon-wrapped parcel and purpose in her step.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3iq8r3MN3
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.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNLSP1T9S5
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.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57il4b3H6P
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.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdryduZhC7C
She slipped the parcel onto the table and unwrapped it: a velvet-bound notebook, ribbon-tied ink, and the latest letters she'd collected.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTNGoFJqen
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.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tuRRvwCNq
Dear Miss Ginny,30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPf2b511Ba
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.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ327H4mq0FF
To whom it may concern,30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfN9Mo4pKzz
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.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiPZ3PI2vm
But her fingers didn't move.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtsOvf01TZ
What you're about to do, she thought, they'd call treason.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0ADzDUyI8
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.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡms96H4Z4I3
And she was a Hale.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMI8Vno3aIf
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.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr495c0vgIm
But what if this was loyalty? Not to a crown. Not to a name.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOa3xarJFAM
To a life. To a girl she'd never met. To someone being hunted for secrets—and the silence that would let it happen.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rTkPZXSwo
What if someone's daughter was about to die because everyone else stayed quiet?30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3fG6BWaBn
Her hand moved.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgToy5UOvsr
She slid the two sheets into the stack.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAf7yQE23Ql
And just before pulling the impression lever, she whispered aloud, as if the press might understand:30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Os0vyXvIF
"This isn't disloyalty. This is witnessing."
---
She returned just before dawn.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrroEQdCzf6
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.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdOVcjNQ9k
Upstairs, her room was unchanged—lace curtains, soft woolen quilt, a porcelain brush untouched since dusk.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZaKOcL74x
She washed her hands in a basin too cold to calm her.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiTon5gM2T
The ink didn't fully lift.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1XkNnWYce
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.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJTRhhKwOY
Instead, it felt like waiting.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdj6DHB0mEB
What if they find the column? What if someone sees beneath the name "Ginny"?30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjimXd406tm
She turned onto her side, tucking the blankets around her ribs. Her throat ached. Her breath wouldn't settle.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQef36mktvt
She loved her family.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdmNpTGotc
But she had done the right thing.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5aMY01ZRc
Hadn't she?30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMSnqqyT4X
She closed her eyes, but the question curled into the dark with her, quiet and sharp as ink on the inside of a glove.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8Uoih8t4P
Who are you becoming, Christina Hale?30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWKv7EuwoD
And deeper still—30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ374qiIUuH2
Can you ever become someone else... and still be a Hale at all?30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAViu8JuetL
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