Complete silence filled Harriet’s office.
The sealed envelope rested in the middle of the table. No one reached for it immediately.
The elderly solicitor repeated his statement. The envelope had been placed in his firm’s custody in 1828, accompanied by legally binding instructions that it was never to be opened, copied, or delivered until three conditions had been fulfilled.
Harriet asked him to repeat those conditions exactly as they appeared in the firm’s register. He opened a worn leather ledger and read:
1. The Blackthorn chest must be recovered.
2. The true family tree must begin to return.
3. The child who carries both bloodlines must discover the Promise willingly.
Lydia felt everyone unconsciously look toward her. She lowered her eyes. Harriet quickly intervened. “We don’
