Sophia’s P.O.V

Everyone in the room turned as one toward the kitchen, and my stomach dropped when I saw Martha standing there, trembling like a leaf as if she was cold. Her hands were clutched tightly to her chest, her eyes wide with fear, and I could see the guilt radiating off her in waves.

“Stop… please,” she whispered, her voice shaking. “Stop hurting Nina… She's not at fault. She hasn’t done anything wrong.”

Edmund’s eyes narrowed, and his tone cut ...