"Lordy, Miss Chrissi, how much ink did you swim in this morning?"
Elsie's voice rang out from the hallway just as Christina Hale stepped carefully out of her cloak, fingers still smudged faintly with ink. The scent of lavender starch trailed ahead as her maid entered carrying a basin, arms crossed and eyes narrowed fondly.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkk6F5870O
"I got most of it off," Christina replied with a smirk, flexing her fingers. "Besides, the column's booming. Dozens of letters this week. One poor bride wants to know if her horse should match her carriage ribbons."29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHT7wQs2Am
Elsie snorted. "She better hope the horse can spell his vows."29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqJOSiGMgi
Christina laughed, the sound light as spun sugar.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8qQtMARGQ
Her silk skirts whispered as she glided down the grand staircase, her gown catching the golden light from the upper windows. The color—dusty periwinkle with a faint gold thread—made her feel like something from a painted portrait. She didn't mind.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wYc7dI9Ri
Behind her, Elsie murmured, mostly to herself, "Just once, I'd like one of these grooms to come with a brain instead of boots."29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yCitBM2ro
Christina smiled but didn't turn back. The show was about to begin.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jYOAGOlZW
---
"Christina! Come meet our guest—he's interviewing us for that article. Something about colonial shipping."29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5KnhM4qjq
"Oh, it's... a piece on rising shipping lane enterprises," Ethen offered, "for a regional journal. Highlighting Loyalist firms with expanding colonial reach."
Thomas's voice carried easily from the drawing room, warm with the kind of pride that disguised possession.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7tVOFFOEH
She descended with care, skirts floating behind her like a sigh. A second voice—young, steady—murmured in reply. Unfamiliar.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRqI5VnxHf
When she entered the tea room, it was already dressed for performance: gleaming porcelain, lemon curls in crystal, silver glinting on linen. The stranger stood as she entered.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEZyCkNLS0
"Miss Hale," he said with a respectful nod. "Ethan Tallmadge. My father runs a printshop in New Castle."29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgrbGcMQqa
"A man of ink." Christina returned the nod with practiced charm. "How fitting."29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9zrZ4ulI5
Thomas motioned to the teapot. "Christina's our family scandal. Father bought her a little print shop years ago—thought it'd be a phase. Nothing extravagant, but it kept her entertained."29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHqLk0YDoU
"And profitable," she replied, easing into the chair across from Ethan. "The column—whoever writes it—has paid him back twice over so far."29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TSpZvcwzD
Thomas chuckled, slicing a lemon with theatrical care. "He splits the earnings. Half goes into a trust Christina can dip into for anything Father won't approve of. The other half's earmarked for her future husband. Keeps the ledger tidy."29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Dl19gqRRq
Christina stirred her tea with precision. "Of course. I'll marry well. My dowry will ensure it. Father finds love impractical—like poetry in a warehouse ledger. But I'm still attractive enough to be useful." She looked to Ethan. "Isn't that the phrase?"29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrNFpXiijI
He didn't flinch, but his fingers had stilled slightly on the rim of his cup.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwuy4e2R4Y
She tilted her head. "Will we be seeing you at the ball this evening?"29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkmpVPmRmh
He met her gaze steadily. "No, I'm afraid not. I've business in Richmond—deliveries to make, contacts to meet. I leave before dawn."29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPl6PLaD1L
Thomas gave a short laugh, standing to retrieve his coat. "Well, you'll miss quite the ball. Every notable family will be there. A few promising suitors for Christina, too. We must marry her off before she starts forming opinions."29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoY2NNgYBfq
Christina stood with him, gloves already tucked in hand. Her smile was nearly radiant.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZfCXOWOZw
"Well, Mr. Tallmadge," she said, "may Richmond bring you something... enlightening."29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3mRPg04WV
Ethan rose with them. "Next time I'm in Williamsburg, perhaps you'll show me your shop. Being a printer's son, I'd love to see what others are doing—especially if your anonymous column is that profitable. Might be something my family should invest in."29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVagRBRMT3
Thomas smirked. "Careful. She'll have you printing heartbreak and hair ribbons in a week."29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48MY7GawXR
But Ethan's eyes stayed on hers. "Still profitable, though. And that's what matters."29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLn3r6BL0IV
Christina met his gaze with something more practiced than warmth. "Williamsburg," she said, looping her arm through her brother's, "has its own definition of value, Mr. Tallmadge."29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKguQxSGXO
And just like that, they swept from the room—Thomas full of ambition, Christina full of riddles, and Ethan with the distinct feeling that her ink could leave stains long after it dried.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSjK8wWAZK
And just like that, ink met match.
–––
The ballroom shimmered under the gentle glow of numerous candles. Music wafted from a string quartet tucked in the far corner, each note mingling with the subdued hum of refined conversation and laughter. Christina, her periwinkle gown and gold accents catching every stray beam of light, moved with poised deliberation across the polished floor, escorted by her ever-watchful brother, Thomas.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EJwwabPl1
Before they reached the center of the room, a graceful figure in exquisite rose-hued satin appeared from the throng—a lady whose presence bespoke her status as one of the evening's hostesses. It was none other than the governor's wife, Mrs. Ashbury. With a warm smile and an assured nod, she gently steered Thomas aside for a brief private moment.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVkWNaFvOT
"Thomas," Mrs. Ashbury murmured as they strolled a side corridor draped in velvet, "it is my pleasure to introduce Mr. Benedict Amherst. His name has sparked no small amount of admiration in our circles."29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZMxmQcQCl
Her gaze slid meaningfully to Christina. "Do be a dear and present him to your sister."29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89ai1k4CJx
Thomas's smile barely touched his eyes. "Miss Hale—Mr. Benedict Amherst. He hails from Norfolk, and has made rather a name for himself in maritime trade. A connection the Hale family would, I think, find... familiar."29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIms9qebOPf
He gestured broadly, as if casting a net made of expectations.
Benedict stepped forward. Tall, with measured grace and eyes that carried a hint of quiet calculation, he bowed slightly. "Miss Hale, it is an honor. I've heard that your reputation extends beyond mere beauty—into realms of enterprise and letters. I trust our acquaintance tonight shall be most enlightening."29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj38I60OsBh
"Mr. Amherst, how flattering. One hopes that a woman's wit might occasionally rise to meet her reputation. In my experience, ink and ingenuity are often the most underestimated forms of capital."
Mrs. Ashbury interjected lightly, "Indeed, Miss Hale. And it is my hope that the finest qualities be brought together tonight." Her tone was both encouraging and commanding, a reminder that even in this world of grand orchestration, every meeting was carefully arranged.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzb0TihptSF
Thomas offered a small, satisfied smile as he took a step back, allowing the conversation to settle between Christina and Benedict. The ambient murmurs of the ballroom swirled around them. In that brief exchange, the seed of intrigue was sown—each word measured, each glance weighted with potential. Christina's eyes glinted with the unspoken challenge of a woman who was as much a puzzle as she was a promise, while Benedict's steady gaze showed that he, too, was captivated by the prospect of what may lie beneath the flawless surface.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPXpUhnFP8
As the orchestra resumed a sweeping waltz, the trio moved together toward the dance floor—a deliberate and graceful progression into an evening where alliances were forged and reputations, like ink on fine paper, were destined to leave their mark.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13Yv6gre6R
---
The waltz soared, its rhythm deliberate and delicate—exactly the kind that demanded practiced grace and a partner who understood tempo like a contract. Benedict led well, but not gently; his hold was firm, his gaze intent.
"So," he began smoothly, "your brother claims your little printshop is becoming quite the sensation."29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bhiHlSg5v
Christina's smile softened without sweetening. "Only among the ribbon-obsessed and the heartbroken. But yes—the column earns its keep."
"And your father allows this... enterprise?"
"He takes his half," she replied, voice light. "It was his gift to begin with. But the shop is mine, legally. The deed bears my name."
Benedict's steps didn't falter—but she felt something shift in the flex of his arm. "For now."29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQ7lOAsQ5c
She tilted her chin. "There's a clause in the marriage contract. The property and profits remain with me. Permanently."
A pause.
"Very forward-thinking," he said, evenly.
"I've always liked being ahead of the press run," she replied with a pleasant shrug.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaVoFHPeIx
As the dance ended, a flushed young man with soft curls and nervous hands stepped forward, bowing with clear effort.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0v1y8VbY5b
"Miss Hale," he stammered, "if you're not already—might I have the next dance?"
He was respectable, but modestly born. His collar was slightly wilted.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqImmXlcZEs
Before Christina could part her lips, Benedict stepped half a pace forward.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxAALaedMC
"She's otherwise engaged," he said, clipped and cool.
The young man blinked. "I—I didn't realize. My apologies."29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnHdzhXwme
Benedict didn't answer. The boy turned, crestfallen, disappearing into the crowd.
Christina glanced up at her partner. "Was that necessary?"
His smile didn't reach his eyes. "He's beneath your station."
"I see," she said quietly.
She didn't say more, but her expression smoothed into something unreadable—beautiful, courteous, and distant as the moon behind lace.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KbAeHHOR3
---29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQpGMvTYpE
They moved to the punch table, where crystal bowls gleamed and laughter floated like perfume. The sting of citrus and crushed berries filled the air.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjwgUeRWW2
"Amherst," a voice called. "By God, I thought you'd ducked the candlelight."29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3zXmvuCP8
A uniformed officer approached—braided epaulets, boots dusted faintly with travel. His face was lean, eyes sharp.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RteBsXGTg
"Winslow," Benedict greeted, clapping his shoulder. "Did they drag you out of the field with promises of cake and coquettes?"29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡql7BAM0Skv
29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8eN2uRIciU
"I needed both," the lieutenant said with a half-smile. "But I came for news."
He lowered his voice, glancing at the gathered crowd. "Word is there's a Continental sympathizer operating here in Williamsburg. Not a soldier. Someone quiet. Possibly a woman."29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgk4xvTLK5J
Benedict scoffed. "A woman? Scribbling secrets between embroidery threads?"29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWBMmMGMGB
"They think she's using a local business," Winslow said. "Maybe a shop or press. Gossip as cover for messages. Clever work."29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9a6Pl1lDL8
Christina widened her eyes with perfect concern.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9d7PAJ4zWS
"Oh my," she said softly. "A woman doing all that thinking? I couldn't imagine being clever enough to scheme like that."29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zOIKiBbx6
Winslow chuckled.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwKMFCpnZ3
She turned her gaze to him, soft and silken. "I'm quite lucky, you know. Born into the right family. I'll find a charming husband, plan a luncheon or two, maybe name a spaniel after a virtue. That's the best kind of life, isn't it, Lieutenant?"29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRx89qrdm3
Winslow blinked—then smiled. "Yes, Miss Hale. Arguably the most dangerous kind."29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBJSCqVuGG
She laughed, lilting and warm. "Only if the punch is too sweet."29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvHij6Sqq4
The men returned to their low murmurings. Christina took a slow sip and looked out across the crowd—memorizing names, faces, uniforms, and a single whispered port city she'd overheard.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPyvidp15M
She smiled, and filed it away.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoyEHyTgHl
---29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohSLPlEcuq
The orchestra struck the opening notes of another waltz—slower this time, ceremonial. Benedict extended his hand with a stiff smile. "Shall we?"29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wbA1zOdKj
Christina hesitated just long enough to make it a choice—then nodded. "Of course."29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlfibyPtnX
They danced without words for the first half. His form was impeccable, his focus unwavering, yet she noticed it now—the way his jaw tensed when he wasn't speaking, the calculated grip of his hand at her back.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmT7huymCD
When the music faded, he bowed deeply. "Thank you, Miss Hale. I look forward to... future conversation."29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZalP3Vpfr
"And I," she replied, with a smile that gave nothing away.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffsVslMFec
As Benedict disappeared into the crowd, Thomas reappeared at her side, offering his arm.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORdPgrbaoD
"Well?" he asked under his breath, all pleasantness dropped. "Was he attentive? Appropriately impressed? Considering a formal call?"29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCenfBkB76k
Christina didn't answer at first. Her fan hovered slightly above her corset.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡez5U5DSPhu
"He asked thoughtful questions. But not about me. Not really. About the shop. About my dowry. And when I corrected him on ownership, he didn't like it."29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCIrRnQRg4
Thomas sighed, already tired of nuance. "None of that matters."29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MjjDL7DD6
She looked up at him sharply.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRipENYhcj
He added, "You're not marrying someone for their tolerance. You're marrying for the ledger. And he's right—those boys who stumble over their collars and ask for dances like favors? They're beneath you."29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKWkQBgyQb
Christina's jaw tightened, but she kept walking.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cgYqetOLe
Only when they reached the edge of the ballroom did she murmur, "I'd rather be underestimated by an honest man... than tolerated by one who wants to amend the terms."29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35MUcCo3dI
Thomas didn't reply.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOY0XobDri
He didn't have to.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsXrbpRW02
---29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVw79nZX55O
As they reached the edge of the ballroom, Thomas adjusted his cuff and leaned in, his voice low and clipped.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTE1zV4I6I
"Well, you can dance with one of the other eligible bachelors," he said, scanning the crowd, "or we can go home for the night. Your call."29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHKPJLA400
Christina didn't hesitate.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4KVb6aNJS
"Home," she said, already turning. "I've played the part tonight. I'd rather not repeat my lines."29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUc0ogvSyd
Thomas raised a brow but said nothing more.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGqMsx5DcO
By the time the carriage pulled away from the glowing estate windows, she was staring out into the dark—counting how long before the hallway lamps would dim. Before the servants retired. Before the city drifted into quiet, and the only sound left in the world would be the turning of a press.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZT3Mccjoe
---29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmj2WVfLbua
The Hale carriage rattled softly through the narrow brick streets, lanterns casting pale gold shadows against the velvet interior. The night had quieted, but tension settled thick between brother and sister.
Thomas exhaled through his nose and broke the silence.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUabdfxyMcM
"You know this is for your good, Christina."29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkhViNVo6I
She didn't look at him.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm82CMSPsTo
"You don't want to end up an old maid," he continued. "Benedict Amherst is well connected, tasteful, wealthy—"29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyj7Rma8LO
"Ambitious," she supplied, still watching the window.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqy31YtV4n
"You could do far worse. He's interested in you, and if you marry him, the Hale name will be set for decades."29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0v7eXmLNe
She turned then. Slowly. Calmly.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6fyGhPC9Q
"No. You would be."29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebJtJYB4OI
Thomas blinked.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtkyRR8LJ9
Christina's voice didn't rise. It didn't need to.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUrhmk7AXy
"I don't get a penny from the shipping side of Father's estate. When he dies, every ship, every ledger, every crate marked with Hale goes to you. Not me."29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYDrvs0AUu
Her gloves were in her lap now, neatly folded.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6MWKeWxWv
"Who I marry elevates you. Every handshake, every investment—every child I produce will carry your legacy. Not mine."29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JCjfUyrl2
Thomas shifted uncomfortably, suddenly unsure of the upholstery.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sMbBQX376
"So," she said, still quiet, "the next time you parade me through a ballroom and call it charity, try saying thank you instead."29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWeAOl7olVq
He opened his mouth.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLK5sV20AKb
She didn't let him speak.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaM2BAxyKFm
"You may be the next Sir Hale," she finished, folding her hands. "But it's who I marry that makes you more profitable. Not me."29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PEX8ZubrM
The rest of the ride passed in silence.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gr6YIN8nx
And as they reached the glowing drive of the Hale estate, Christina smiled faintly.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ260cREHt3y
"I'll do my part," she murmured, stepping down. "You don't have to worry about that. I'm a Hale, after all."29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4kHhOyyzR
---29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJK0ruJTrH
The Hale estate slept.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZzLcx8Q6d
Its windows dimmed one by one, shutters closed against the moonlight. The hallways hushed, the servants' footsteps stilled. Somewhere, a candelabra guttered into silence.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuY8bh5UcS
And Christina Hale slipped out the kitchen door with a ribbon-wrapped parcel and purpose in her step.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopMhWRgpFo
Her slippers barely kissed the bricks as she moved—skirt hem pinned, curls tucked into the hood of a charcoal cloak. No jewelry. No paint. Just breath and silk and the weight of knowing.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mCT4E1bHP
The city was different at 3:18 a.m.—all soft echoes and old smells. Yeast and salt, the faint iron of the port. She let herself into the print shop with a key she'd had cut by a locksmith who once asked no questions.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG12YiParQ0
Inside, the air was cold but loyal. She didn't light every lamp. Just the one she needed. The press loomed in its corner like a silent sentinel, the plate waiting for her next breath.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTX8Zr63UQS
She slipped the parcel onto the table and unwrapped it: a velvet-bound notebook, ribbon-tied ink, and the latest letters she'd collected.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFQDOSKgNr
But she had written this one herself, by candlelight in her room, waiting for the household to sleep. Should she print it? Should she throw it away? She didn't know what to do.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTg7E4UZbE
Dear Miss Ginny,29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRQskZotwF
To whom it may concern—
Somewhere in the shops or homes of our quiet Williamsburg—our city we like to think is far from the world's turning—a name is being whispered. A possible spy against the English crown.
I do not know who they are. But loyalist households are murmuring, and the circle is tightening.
Could you imagine? Betraying your country in such a way? What would you do, Miss Ginny? What should someone do, if they suspect something?
— A Concerned Citizen
She took a clean sheet. Dipped the quill.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuQDWwgaFW
To whom it may concern,29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZf7ppTv3Yv
If your information is correct, then the war is far closer than many of us would like to believe. And if that is the case—it could be anyone. Anywhere. A shopkeeper. A scholar. A guest at the last ball.
My advice to you is this: stay vigilant. Be careful where you go. Be careful who you're with.
What is whispered in a safe room today may echo loudly in a courtroom tomorrow.
— Your friend,
Ginny
She stared down at the typeset reply signed Your friend, Ginny, the press oiled and ready to run.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6KlY13TOx
But her fingers didn't move.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3egl65L4r
What you're about to do, she thought, they'd call treason.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ynlmdLZjY
Thomas. Father. Every guest in that ballroom. Every man who clapped Benedict Amherst on the back. To them, this wasn't journalism. It wasn't morality. It was betrayal.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBVuU72H1U
And she was a Hale.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUVK6MenH2
She pressed her palm flat against the pressplate, feeling the cool metal bite against her skin. She thought of the family crest above the study door. Of her father's voice, crisp and tired: We don't trade in whispers, Christina. We trade in goods. In loyalty.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdkBEWad80
But what if this was loyalty? Not to a crown. Not to a name.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumzZ0DehGJ
To a life. To a girl she'd never met. To someone being hunted for secrets—and the silence that would let it happen.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxScpq5Wnj
What if someone's daughter was about to die because everyone else stayed quiet?29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeujjrLZ3fq
Her hand moved.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroNYEmMQFo
She slid the two sheets into the stack.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7cMYP5Mvm
And just before pulling the impression lever, she whispered aloud, as if the press might understand:29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qJxfs230K
"This isn't disloyalty. This is witnessing."
---
She returned just before dawn.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwKwVOIaJ6
The Hale estate was still and shadowed, the windows dulled with morning fog. No one stirred as she slipped inside. Her slippers were damp, the hem of her cloak scented with ash and ink.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICldV8jqbJ
Upstairs, her room was unchanged—lace curtains, soft woolen quilt, a porcelain brush untouched since dusk.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eyDvtToTJ
She washed her hands in a basin too cold to calm her.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MUXI8uLgn
The ink didn't fully lift.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTYYTiMA40
She crawled into bed with her gloves tucked beneath the pillow and her fingers still stained, heart still echoing with the sound of type striking plate. It should have felt like safety.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9tOFniEVe
Instead, it felt like waiting.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuzdQYCJZg
What if they find the column? What if someone sees beneath the name "Ginny"?29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtybG5wKBM
She turned onto her side, tucking the blankets around her ribs. Her throat ached. Her breath wouldn't settle.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG15ebQ6SyB
She loved her family.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3nn08t3cs
But she had done the right thing.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOId5ZGv3Wo
Hadn't she?29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwacrNuD6W
She closed her eyes, but the question curled into the dark with her, quiet and sharp as ink on the inside of a glove.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jHO6YPWXn
Who are you becoming, Christina Hale?29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPD7GlTbNt
And deeper still—29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMerSCfhbH
Can you ever become someone else... and still be a Hale at all?29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmd3ixMkyhP
and then Add to home screen.