"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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe43V7tG6ca
"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."21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtBEopr1Ts
Elsie snorted. "She better hope the horse can spell his vows."21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOBt4UuTrR
Christina laughed, the sound light as spun sugar.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEFw3zIWR1
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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdsodb8aQS
Behind her, Elsie murmured, mostly to herself, "Just once, I'd like one of these grooms to come with a brain instead of boots."21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQXWWRvjOz
Christina smiled but didn't turn back. The show was about to begin.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNT4dNAuuQ
---
"Christina! Come meet our guest—he's interviewing us for that article. Something about colonial shipping."21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4bhK5MdYl
"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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA96bQzQNhs
She descended with care, skirts floating behind her like a sigh. A second voice—young, steady—murmured in reply. Unfamiliar.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwlUKtTEsl
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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJQnlF0J0Z
"Miss Hale," he said with a respectful nod. "Ethan Tallmadge. My father runs a printshop in New Castle."21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAZPAo4UA6
"A man of ink." Christina returned the nod with practiced charm. "How fitting."21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfS7wDZTOYY
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."21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVOKxufZst
"And profitable," she replied, easing into the chair across from Ethan. "The column—whoever writes it—has paid him back twice over so far."21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQO2fofNHC
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."21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFru4KsV9i8
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?"21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxJqR26Lgl
He didn't flinch, but his fingers had stilled slightly on the rim of his cup.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdH11fuepbk
She tilted her head. "Will we be seeing you at the ball this evening?"21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LupW1soEk
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."21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjb3isd0Fs
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."21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrnII0bcx6
Christina stood with him, gloves already tucked in hand. Her smile was nearly radiant.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQJdXQ3RD5
"Well, Mr. Tallmadge," she said, "may Richmond bring you something... enlightening."21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKTXTECwZ8
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."21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHh33S7K9g
Thomas smirked. "Careful. She'll have you printing heartbreak and hair ribbons in a week."21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWVv61IX9j
But Ethan's eyes stayed on hers. "Still profitable, though. And that's what matters."21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TgEZ2UT9R
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."21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvruF28y5fn
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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDrm5nYS4c
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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Os8U4ZhSV
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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeOluquo8C
"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."21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNlArELefn
Her gaze slid meaningfully to Christina. "Do be a dear and present him to your sister."21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zc0pNWaWZ
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."21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddgAmcfOYh
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."21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJujNTv08b
"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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzFln2YXUV
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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQMgS55X63
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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmFNPNPFr6
---
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."21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8NmsP7xHT
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."21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqxodU0pWj
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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwXh87KMkk
As the dance ended, a flushed young man with soft curls and nervous hands stepped forward, bowing with clear effort.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gdAdKi21z
"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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9HbDGXqnt
Before Christina could part her lips, Benedict stepped half a pace forward.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYT28g6nLDL
"She's otherwise engaged," he said, clipped and cool.
The young man blinked. "I—I didn't realize. My apologies."21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsckui2nl3
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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF45wjL9ynJ
---21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlBfOt6VhN
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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrG0R6sCBFp
"Amherst," a voice called. "By God, I thought you'd ducked the candlelight."21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWCJsIqh9g
A uniformed officer approached—braided epaulets, boots dusted faintly with travel. His face was lean, eyes sharp.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmbzymdG8n
"Winslow," Benedict greeted, clapping his shoulder. "Did they drag you out of the field with promises of cake and coquettes?"21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNcna006rt
21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyy1gyH4pJB
"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."21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6F3TwGLyB
Benedict scoffed. "A woman? Scribbling secrets between embroidery threads?"21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXep7sItxPI
"They think she's using a local business," Winslow said. "Maybe a shop or press. Gossip as cover for messages. Clever work."21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2oi1XV7eu
Christina widened her eyes with perfect concern.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSaiVEFwKc
"Oh my," she said softly. "A woman doing all that thinking? I couldn't imagine being clever enough to scheme like that."21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDaflwN58W
Winslow chuckled.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DGJRDYTBi
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?"21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbE7CwgAua
Winslow blinked—then smiled. "Yes, Miss Hale. Arguably the most dangerous kind."21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sqS38j9U8
She laughed, lilting and warm. "Only if the punch is too sweet."21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIe478MiBfr
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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOqMdUpRNw
She smiled, and filed it away.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8QePqQOTF
---21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtTbE5hLui
The orchestra struck the opening notes of another waltz—slower this time, ceremonial. Benedict extended his hand with a stiff smile. "Shall we?"21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8m8twWHVqw
Christina hesitated just long enough to make it a choice—then nodded. "Of course."21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNnkr5uUsw
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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1E0NOzdN2F
When the music faded, he bowed deeply. "Thank you, Miss Hale. I look forward to... future conversation."21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1XRRHRjSg
"And I," she replied, with a smile that gave nothing away.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlYL3XVbk5
As Benedict disappeared into the crowd, Thomas reappeared at her side, offering his arm.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGrW3POjZM
"Well?" he asked under his breath, all pleasantness dropped. "Was he attentive? Appropriately impressed? Considering a formal call?"21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkHY3pDWtn
Christina didn't answer at first. Her fan hovered slightly above her corset.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6g5G7WXqi
"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."21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OorlX7d8W
Thomas sighed, already tired of nuance. "None of that matters."21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOFCmWCJv5
She looked up at him sharply.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFfEsnfIGX
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."21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHnEPKq7hS
Christina's jaw tightened, but she kept walking.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidiYGQMPYa
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."21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jCyPqMnUH
Thomas didn't reply.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJ9U7QXG23
He didn't have to.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GFr2KS12x
---21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FxjFuSsmR
As they reached the edge of the ballroom, Thomas adjusted his cuff and leaned in, his voice low and clipped.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYI1yEYcq7T
"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."21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnFypgnfuX
Christina didn't hesitate.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgjZbSX238
"Home," she said, already turning. "I've played the part tonight. I'd rather not repeat my lines."21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1RbLnUTQ9
Thomas raised a brow but said nothing more.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUn0oIkK3t8
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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZOcmiy9sK
---21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ArK7P91zA
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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3oEtk5ml1
"You know this is for your good, Christina."21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lnrLZGcbY
She didn't look at him.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHfRK0Z1SW
"You don't want to end up an old maid," he continued. "Benedict Amherst is well connected, tasteful, wealthy—"21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6jQzObWhe
"Ambitious," she supplied, still watching the window.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2h06MOQmRG
"You could do far worse. He's interested in you, and if you marry him, the Hale name will be set for decades."21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiihClThUSt
She turned then. Slowly. Calmly.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwgJOtr39W
"No. You would be."21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5snMHeuUxK
Thomas blinked.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rYCjoYaxv
Christina's voice didn't rise. It didn't need to.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYM6FXE95D
"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."21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGX8UbDXX0
Her gloves were in her lap now, neatly folded.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkM7bYjjTwo
"Who I marry elevates you. Every handshake, every investment—every child I produce will carry your legacy. Not mine."21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLu1FtHLx5T
Thomas shifted uncomfortably, suddenly unsure of the upholstery.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYClGQ4J1Ei
"So," she said, still quiet, "the next time you parade me through a ballroom and call it charity, try saying thank you instead."21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OkAODyhvU
He opened his mouth.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CTHhrEyYA
She didn't let him speak.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmORBHAfWd
"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."21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97W9R0tSCO
The rest of the ride passed in silence.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WoVRQWpqw
And as they reached the glowing drive of the Hale estate, Christina smiled faintly.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XJDO0mZaZ
"I'll do my part," she murmured, stepping down. "You don't have to worry about that. I'm a Hale, after all."21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIR7sKMoVr
---21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdx6MPPEH1w
The Hale estate slept.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYQMc2fg6Q
Its windows dimmed one by one, shutters closed against the moonlight. The hallways hushed, the servants' footsteps stilled. Somewhere, a candelabra guttered into silence.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXaW1v7c06
And Christina Hale slipped out the kitchen door with a ribbon-wrapped parcel and purpose in her step.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSkdspA3sh
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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiBqovdRdL
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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMG3v4K5vI
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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMzy4qSNgn
She slipped the parcel onto the table and unwrapped it: a velvet-bound notebook, ribbon-tied ink, and the latest letters she'd collected.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ86Xyp85V0
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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFH9uddoMo
Dear Miss Ginny,21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8g1hhQVxv7
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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlIeKn6UUi
To whom it may concern,21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbrZTk6eQQ
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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2BDiwZRSC
But her fingers didn't move.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbng4FzAJ8
What you're about to do, she thought, they'd call treason.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmQbKrJyTE
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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvy2ty1WE0p
And she was a Hale.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoawB9q4FZM
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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRp2fX2Nd79
But what if this was loyalty? Not to a crown. Not to a name.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRmTB1UGp9
To a life. To a girl she'd never met. To someone being hunted for secrets—and the silence that would let it happen.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWY6NLtyIt
What if someone's daughter was about to die because everyone else stayed quiet?21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6TZp2aKLN
Her hand moved.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyUvH1jDGc
She slid the two sheets into the stack.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhnHJz7XBc
And just before pulling the impression lever, she whispered aloud, as if the press might understand:21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvmo3HACO3
"This isn't disloyalty. This is witnessing."
---
She returned just before dawn.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVxTOaqkKz
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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPQfHFlkJz
Upstairs, her room was unchanged—lace curtains, soft woolen quilt, a porcelain brush untouched since dusk.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTL5XDv6PYp
She washed her hands in a basin too cold to calm her.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuhyy0z7NJ
The ink didn't fully lift.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1BJIU9gV1
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.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56XpQCL9wu
Instead, it felt like waiting.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBNswL6GWF
What if they find the column? What if someone sees beneath the name "Ginny"?21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAKUk55IYN
She turned onto her side, tucking the blankets around her ribs. Her throat ached. Her breath wouldn't settle.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumX4XeiAvN
She loved her family.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKInd1F3ea
But she had done the right thing.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tEhSKBTjw
Hadn't she?21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPU8ILYiQJo
She closed her eyes, but the question curled into the dark with her, quiet and sharp as ink on the inside of a glove.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9FjYpbnAO
Who are you becoming, Christina Hale?21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOK3U40ZMR
And deeper still—21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8wV0GL57p
Can you ever become someone else... and still be a Hale at all?21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwf8d0VFNB
and then Add to home screen.