Chapter 2
An Unholy Alliance In The Dark
Before Sterling could move, Clara stepped out from behind my back, holding the bloodstained brass key high in her trembling hand.
“If you touch him, Sterling, I will throw this key into the burning fireplace, and you can explain to my father why his vault remains locked forever,” she declared.
Sterling froze instantly, his eyes locking onto the key as if it were a live grenade waiting to detonate in the palm of her hand.
He knew that Lord Arthur Vance’s wrath was far more dangerous than any weapon I held in my hands.
“We will be right outside the corridor, Mr. Vance,” Sterling said, taking a step back into the dimly lit hallway.
“Do not attempt to leave the east wing before dawn. For your own safety.”
The heavy mahogany door slammed shut, and I immediately threw the brass deadbolt into place, breathing a heavy sigh of relief.
I turned back to Clara, watching as she collapsed against the edge of the mattress, her face completely drained of color.
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“We have until morning before my father realizes his security team failed to retrieve the key,” Clara whispered, her voice shaking violently.
“We need to find that room tonight, or neither of us will ever leave Vancewood Estate.”
