CIAN
"Nothing I didn't construct." I went back to applying the cream. "Rumors have a powerful effect on most."
"The thing is..." She paused. Took a breath. "I was dishonest. Yes. But I was tricked by Isobel and Hazel. Because neither Hazel or Milo ran away."
I said nothing. I just kept working on her arm.
"I know you must know there are holes in their story," she said, voice steady, even though her gaze trembled. "But your pride and misdirected anger won't let you admit it. Your hate too."
I didn't respond at first. The words stung, but not because they were wrong. I finished applying the cream to her swollen welts and screwed the cap shut, placing the tube neatly on the counter. I still hadn't let go of her wrist. Her pulse was frantic under my fingertips.
"Silver Creek doesn't seem like a place where tyranny rules," I said finally. "That's why I chose your pack for my marriage. If this Milo is dead, it must be because of something he did, and judging by the company he kept…"
