Mara

It's been days since Archer and Alex return from school and he chooses to continue ignoring me.

"Archer, why would you treat me like this? When I'm doing all this because of us." I whined.

I realized Keegan's piercing eyes followed my every move through the manor, stripping away guises.

The dog was clever enough to unravel me given time. Charm wore thin against his flinty mistrust. Soft words and frail appearance failed to sway the beast from snarling and nipping at my heels.

Stronger steps were needed to bring the cur to heel before he tore apart carefully laid plans.

I seethed pacing my chamber like caged lioness,...