When we entered the mansion, I could feel the tension. Everyone had gathered in the large sitting room, their eyes locking onto us the moment we stepped through the doors.
“Why didn’t you just leave her with her kind?” Ruth’s voice cut through the room, her sharp glare pinned me in place. Her hands clenched at her side, trembling as her words rose to a shout.“All she ever does is hurt him!”
Her words rattled me, my heart sank deep into my chest. Before I could muster a response, a sharp crack echoed in the room.
Jezebel stood rigid, her hand raised. Ruth staggered back slightly, her hand flying to her cheek where Jezebel had struck her. The entire room fell into stunned silence.
“My love,” Orpheus called softly, stepping closer to Jezebel and gently taking her hand.
Jezebel’s voice trembled slightly, but her resolve remained unshaken. “He’s part of this family. You loved her so much—what happened, Ruth? Just get over your guilt already.”