Chapter 5: The Flashbulbs Fade
Chapter 5: The Flashbulbs Fade
…I breathed. The heavy oak doors of the courthouse closed behind me, shutting out the ghosts of the past. The crisp autumn air hit my face. Claire stood to my right, her posture finally straight, no longer hiding in the shadows of her trauma. My father stood to my left, a silent guardian who had finally forgiven himself for being too late. We walked down the marble steps together. Reporters shouted my name. Microphones were thrust into our path. “Evelyn! Is this the end of the Vale dynasty?” “Evelyn, what do you have to say to Helena Vale?” I didn’t stop. I didn’t smile. I just kept walking. When we finally reached my father’s car, I slid into the backseat, letting the tinted windows erase the chaotic world outside. I thought it was over. I thought the monster was caged and the kingdom was dust. But when we arrived at our safe house, the illusion shattered. Sitting perfectly centered on the kitchen island was a single, pristine black envelope. No stamp. No return address. Just my name, written in elegant, silver calligraphy. My father stepped in front of me, his hand instinctively reaching for his holster. Claire gasped, taking a step back. I picked up the envelope. Inside was a single piece of heavy cardstock with one handwritten line. You cut off the snake's head, my dear. But the venom is still in your veins. – H.V. Preston was just the prince. The queen was still playing.
