Seeing respect and trust rise in all who stood by, Ismerie breathed inwardly, 'close call'.
She must not let the order's name be stained.
She turned to the women huddled in the corner. "Were you held here against your will? Speak freely... I will see justice done."
At that, long‑held silence broke.
Tears spilled over. One woman, pale and trembling, looked at the fallen master with bitter grief.
"I was to be wed... three days more and we would have been bound. He took me by force, and tore us apart."
Others found their voices at last.
"My father would not yield me to him... he ruined our house, and my father died broken!"
"I was tricked and brought here years ago. I have not seen my home since."
Ismerie raised a hand gently. "One by one. Every wrong will be heard. None shall be ove
