rs, their eyes hostile as they surrounded her. She was perplexed and thre

rough the air as they surrounded Eleanor. She battled

on as the wolves closed in. Why was she the focus of

nor braced for the worst, her mi

lan, one that sought to undermine her world from within.

alating. Overwhelmed by fear, she gathered an inner resistance a

eems that everything had been lost, she experienced an unexpected burst of power. With a feroc

just as she had gained the upper hand, a new foe came from the shadows

he demanded, her voice tr

father sends his best," he scoffed. "He believed you might

deceiving her. He had sent Jacob to finish the wolves' t

ion in her gaze, she braced herself for the horror that lay ahead. Survival

sault, a mysterious person emerged from

b, knocking him to the ground as

st and precise. When the hubbub died down, she was astounded to discover

a mix of relief and gratitude. "

to Jacob, who was lying prostrate at his feet. Marcus quick

retained a shard of doubt. Marcus's quick arrival and

e," Eleanor expressed her grati

t was necessary, Eleanor." "I couldn't stay id

ding something. She vowed to be cautious around him, g

Jacob away, but her peace was short-lived. Nath

esture of kindness; it was carried out on Nathaniel's orders. Her early ske

acknowledged hi

rn and merciless. "Explain yourself, Eleanor," he o

anor was concerned that his severe behavior may worsen as t

boiling. "I might ask you the same," she answ

ying. "You will speak to me respect

ion. "I refuse to yield to you, Nathaniel," she declare

his voice full of hatred. "You would do well to

am not a mere piece to be shifted according to your desires,

d, "You will learn, Eleanor," his words imply

f defiance, her eyes ablaze with an

ness and quickly seized her, his gr

eanor, or face the repercussions," h

eaded him, her words barely aud

o pity. "You belong to me, Eleanor Grey, and you

g. "I will not succumb to you, Nathaniel," she promised

ident as he raised his hand and struck her ha

ing. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she remai

he said, threateningly. "

r and left, his frustration palpable. "Enough," he spat

s broken by a succession of frightenin