amdauthor

Synopsis: The Sins That Bind Us

Phileo killed her family. Evelyne knows this. And yet—she walks beside him.

She should have hated him. She should have sought vengeance. But the world is never so simple. The man who tore her life apart is also the only one who can help her uncover the truth—the truth about why her parents were marked for death, the truth about the shadowed hands that still pull the strings from the dark.

But blood cannot be washed away so easily.

With every step, Phileo is forced to confront the weight of his sins, the ghost of the girl he left behind, now grown into a woman who refuses to break. Evelyne does not forgive. She does not forget. And though she needs him now, one day, she will have to decide—justice or survival.

Because when the past finally catches up to them, neither of them may walk away alive.

TruthUntold

The town of Braden was small, nestled between the edges of the forest and the stretching plains beyond. It wasn't bustling, but it wasn't dead either—just quiet enough that strangers drew attention.

Phileo dismounted first, handing his horse's reins to Alsiel. "Find a stable and get them fed."

Alsiel scowled. "What am I, your stable boy?"

Alsiel groaned but took Evelyne's reins as well. "Fine, fine. But if they ask for extra coin, I'm taking it from your share."

Phileo ignored him and turned to Evelyne. "We need supplies. Food, water, bandages."

Evelyne nodded, already scanning the streets. There was an old marketplace in the town center, with stalls lined along the cobbled roads.

As they walked, she noticed something strange. The people weren't unfriendly, but there was a watchfulness to them—glances held a second too long, hushed murmurs passing between vendors.

"Why does it feel like we're being watched?" she muttered.

Phileo didn't look at her. "Because we are."

Evelyne stiffened. "The Black Veil?"

"No. But towns like this don't trust outsiders."

They reached a merchant selling dried meat and fruit. Phileo handed over a few silver pieces, taking the goods without a word.

Evelyne hesitated, then leaned toward the old vendor. "Have there been any strangers in town?"

The vendor gave her a long, assessing look. Then, he subtly flicked his eyes toward the far end of the marketplace.

"There was a man asking questions earlier," he muttered. "Didn't buy anything. Just watched."

Evelyne followed his gaze. A hooded figure stood near a shaded alley, back turned to them. He wasn't moving.

She felt Phileo stiffen beside her.

They moved quickly, weaving through the marketplace. Alsiel was waiting near a tavern, looking far too pleased with himself.

"I got us a room," he declared. "Only had to charm the innkeeper's daughter—"

"Change of plans," Phileo cut in. "We're leaving now."

Alsiel blinked. "Already? We just got here."

Phileo's eyes were cold. "We're not alone."

Alsiel followed his gaze, and his smirk vanished.

"Great," he muttered. "I was really hoping to sleep in a real bed tonight."

Evelyne pulled her cloak tighter. They weren't going to outrun their enemies forever.

But for now, they still had a chance.

Chapter 22: A Town That Whispers