Chapter seven – The heir, the maid, and the stray

DiCaprio:

The girl doesn’t flinch when Scar-Cheek says her name.

Keya Carson.

Banished heir of Lake View.

Her chin lifts just slightly, like she’s daring me to make the next move.

I’ve dealt with heirs before — spoiled, entitled, always thinking their last name can shield them. But I’ve also seen what happens when you take that shield away. Some crumble. Some become dangerous. I can’t yet decide which one she is.

“Lina,” Scar-Cheek continues, nodding toward the dark-haired one, “former maid in her service. The male—unknown. No records match his face or name.”

The man stares at me without...