Caroline's POV
"You still have time to change your mind," Margret said as she adjusted the shawl over my shoulders. Her brows remained knitted with concern while she looked me over from head to toe. "You don't owe those people anything, Caroline. If your instincts are warning you not to go, then stay here."
I smiled faintly and shook my head.
"I have to go," I replied, taking a slow breath as my ribs protested with every movement. "If I keep avoiding them, they'll only become more suspicious."
Margret sighed. "I don't like this."
"I know." I reached for her hand and held it gently. "But I need to face them."
Her gaze drifted to the bruises peeking out beneath the sleeves of my blouse. The cuts on my hands had begun to heal, but the deep purple marks Cerene had left on my body were im
