Birthright

Chapter 9 - both of us or neither - Ephy pov

By the time I got home, the sun was slipping behind the rooftops, painting the sky in shades of rust and violet. I pushed open the creaky wooden door, its familiar groan echoing through the small hut.

“Mum? Are you home?” I called, stepping inside. “I heard you had a visitor today, what did that creep want?”

The house was quiet, too quiet.

Then I heard it..the faint shuffle of footsteps upstairs, followed by the sound of drawers opening and closing. My heart kicked up a beat. I climbed the narrow, squeaky steps, the noise growing louder with each one.

The sound was coming from my room.

When I pushed open the door, I found Mum frantically shoving my clothes into a worn black duffel bag.

“Mum?” I said softly, keeping my voice calm. “What are you doing?”

“Ephy, baby..you’re back,” she breathed out, flushed and trembling. Strands of her honey-chocolate hair clung to her face as she brushed them away. That’s when I noticed it the dark bruise blooming across her hand.

“Look, we need to talk,” she said quickly, her voice shaking. “It’s not safe for you here. I’ve heard things, a place, rumors. You need to go.”

“What happened?” I demanded. “And what’s that bruise on your hand?”

She hesitated, then shoved her injured hand into her pocket. “Just sit down, Ephy,” she said, her tone breaking. “Please.”

“I’ll kill him,” I snapped, the words tearing out of me raw and hot. My hands balled into fists before I could stop them.

Mum flinched as if struck. “Ephy..no.” Her voice was small, urgent. She stepped between me and the doorway like a frail shield. “It was him. He..he came by, he watched me, he-“She swallowed, blinking back tears. “He squeezed my hand. He didn’t say it out loud, but I felt it. He made it clear what happens if things go wrong. He thinks the contract means he owns our lives.”

Rage flooded me so fast I could taste it. My wolf wanted to tear him apart, right there on the floorboards. My fae side, whatever it was felt like a bright, humming thing behind my ribs, impatient and sharp. I had to force it down, breathe, not give voice to the wild that would ruin us both.

“I’m so sorry, Ephy,” Mum said, her voice breaking. “I thought I was doing the right thing that the marriage contract would keep you safe. I was wrong.”

Tears burned at the back of my eyes. “But, Mum.. you signed it with your blood. If I don’t go through with it, you’ll be the one punished.”

She gave a trembling smile, her eyes shining with love and resignation. “I’m willing to sacrifice myself for you, my sweet girl,” she whispered, her voice shaking. “I’ve lived sixty-five years. I had a good life once, back when Talvarna still had light and laughter. But I’m ready now… ready to accept my fate.”

I stared at her, disbelief twisting inside me. “Then come with me,” I said, desperate.

She shook her head. “I can’t. They’ll notice if I disappear.”

“Okay, then you go first, and I’ll follow in a few days,” I insisted, stepping closer. “If anyone asks, I’ll say you’re at home resting, sick, something.” My throat tightened as I met her eyes. “I can’t leave you behind, Mum. It’s either both of us or neither.”

For a moment, the room fell silent except for the pounding of my heart.