ella

out a sound that was half-sob, half-scream of pure, unadulterated joy. She scrambled into the be

tor of a moment ago was gone, replaced by a cornered, terrified animal

him the chance to spin a new web of lies. I had cut off the serp

Elena. "Nonna... thank God... I

who was trying to shrink into the damask wallpaper. I looked do

e cutting through the matriarch's relieved sobs. "He did not just t

g in the air, its ugline

regnant with his child. His plan was to let the Don die, and

quake. For a family that prized blood and lineage above all else, t

urdling into one of horrified disgust. She stare

gled cry. "She's lying! She's a demon sent to tear us ap

r. Bianchi. Let him examine her. If I am wrong,

was sprun

t him, her gaze traveling from his panicked face to Clara's, and back again. I could see the memories warring in

moment of loyalty or bravery that had cemented his place in her heart. I saw it soften her

, please," he begged, his voice breaking. "You know me. You know m

eenage Julian shielding her with his body

te. The serpent h

r voice hollow. The last thread of he

eone who had seen too many family secrets. He arrived with his black

ized at the door held her fast. Julian watched, his face a rictus of pure hatred,

ivacy screen. The silence in the room was absolute, broken only

grim. He removed his spectacles and b

parched whisper. "

ting nervously towards the bedroom

began, his voic

d held i

ild. Approximat