The Ashes Within

After a year of self-imposed exile, Arabella Ashendell returns to England at her brother's request. Summoned to settle her family's estate, she arrives at Ashendell Estate, the once grand property now steeped in silence and suspicion. She wears the mask of a grieving heiress, but beneath it lies a dark truth that she will do anything to keep from seeing the light of day. The fire that killed her parents was ruled an accident. The case is closed. Her inheritance awaits. But Ashendell is not empty.

Sebastian Wyndham, a former officer turned private investigator, is staying at Ashendell Manor as a guest of Arabella's brother. She assumes he's, as they say he is, just a friend, but he's not. He's investigating her parents' death at the request of Benedict, Arabella's brother, who suspects foul play.

Arabella plans to be gone in three days. Sebastian plans to keep his distance. Neither gets what they came for.

As the shadows in the manor grow darker and past sins edge closer to the surface, desire turns into obsession, and morality begins to rot beneath the weight of loyalty and love.

This story is also available on Ao3, @vivsinclairwrites is my handle there too :)