But Fiora refused flat out, leaving no room for negotiation. "I'm not leaving," she said firmly.
"Fiora, listen to me," Petra pleaded, her voice shaking. "Those men are ruthless. They're the kind who'd kill for a quick buck. They paid your father good money, and you ran off on them. They won't let this slide. They'll hound us until they drag you back. Please, just go. I'm begging you."
Petra grabbed her arm as she spoke, trying to tug her toward the door and shove her outside.
But Fiora dug in her heels and held her back. "Mom, it's no use. Haleysford isn't that big, and you're still here. Where on earth am I supposed to go?"
"Don't worry about me," Petra insisted. "Just get out of here. That's all you need to do."
Fiora refused to budge. "If I leave, I'm taking you with me. There's n
