Things change around the 11-year-old orphans from Grace Field as they approach their twelfth year of life.
✦ Will these four eldest children, who have placed so much faith in their sole guardian, Isabella, be able to betray that trust after learnin...
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Chapter Eighteen | Avoiding Lies
[Narrator]
"Emma!"
Ninelie's heart pounded as she spotted the injured girl lying helplessly on the ground. Her legs trembled, almost feeling as if they were encased in ice, as she took a determined step forward. But before she could reach Emma, Isabella, a formidable figure with an air of authority, intercepted her path, gripping Ninelie's arm firmly, halting her advance.
Ninelie found herself ensnared in Isabella's intense and chilling stare. The woman's eyes seemed to pierce through Ninelie's soul, causing her to momentarily lose her resolve.
"Even though I warned you one last time," Isabella's voice was low and dangerous, her words laced with a chilling finality, "You still chose to disobey me."
"I'm... sorry..." Ninelie stammered, feeling the painful pressure on her arm.
"It's far too late for lackadaisical apologies," Isabella whispered. "You have to suffer the consequences."
"Whether you like it or not."
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Ray's heart pounded in his chest as he ran as fast as he could, with Don and Gilda close behind. The sun beat down mercilessly on their backs, adding to the urgency of their escape. They were almost there, the destination in sight, when suddenly, a loud, ear-piercing scream tore through the air.
With adrenaline coursing through their veins, they reached the scene where Ray's eyes widened in horror. Bathed in the harsh daylight, Isabella gently cradled Ninelie on the ground. The sight of Ninelie's broken arm, her skin red and swollen, was enough to send a chill down Ray's spine. Ninelie whimpered and panted, her pain evident, but she remained remarkably resilient, refusing to cry and instead breathing heavily.
