Chapter 12

After Clara left, Sabrina pulled her coat tighter and curled up in the corner. She watched the mist turn white from her breath and couldn't help but think-Cassian locking her up in this freezing hellhole, was he honestly trying to freeze her to death? The thought of his cold, unreadable eyes flashed through her mind, making her shiver hard. That tight, suffocating feeling again-was it fear? Guilt maybe? Or just plain despair born out of a long, hollow marriage? Sabrina couldn't tell. She sat there, rubbing her hands for warmth, thoughts swirling. Had she really planned to elope that night? If so, who the heck was that coward who bailed right after things went south? No answers, just a hazy mess of confusion in her mind. Her head was pounding when she suddenly heard something rustling outside the dark door. The sound made her scalp tingle. She jumped up, just in time to see a whole swarm of fat rats screeching and rushing at her. In the dim light, their eyes glowed a creepy red, and they weren't scared of people at all. In fact, they were heading straight for her. Every hair on her body stood on end. She looked up and saw a shadow flash past the doorway. She lunged to the bars, banging on them. "Who's out there?! Open the door!" But there was nothing. Silence. Like no one had been there at all. Staring at the stinking, oversized rats closing in, Sabrina was sure: there was no way wild rats could grow this big on their own in a place like the Bennett home. Someone had to be raising them. And they let them loose in here on purpose! The rats squeaked wildly, then lunged at her like they hadn't eaten in days. ***** The Bennett house was eerily quiet all night. By morning, the sky had already lightened. The dining room was laid out with a fancy breakfast spread, and a bouquet of white roses sat still in the glass vase. Matilda sat in her usual spot. Glancing at the empty seats at the table, she suddenly felt like even the best food had lost its taste. Seeing her grandmother looking so downcast, Simone angrily snapped, "It's all that jinx Sabrina's fault. Ever since she married into the family, nothing's been right. Dad's been sick, Mom's been stuck abroad taking care of him and couldn't even come home for your birthday. And then there's my second brother's car accident-almost broke his leg! But the worst is Cassian. He ended up marrying that shameless woman because it was Dad's decision. Now because Dad's not well enough to handle any drama, Cassian can't even divorce her!" The moment that name came up, Matilda's face instantly darkened. Olivia Bennett, the third granddaughter cut Simone a warning glance. "We're trying to eat here. You really had to bring her up and upset Grandma again?" Simone huffed, "I just can't stand her. Cassian was gone before dawn again today. I bet he's sick of this mess and just doesn't want to deal. He's always been so proud, now he's the one eating dirt because of her!" "Enough!" Matilda said, cutting her off sharply. Another word about that woman and she might pass out from the stress. She turned instead to the quiet young woman seated at the end of the table, calmly eating her breakfast. "Emily, how's Anders doing lately? Is his leg healing up?" Emily Baker, graceful and gentle, nodded softly. "Don't worry, Grandma. I've been bringing him bone broth every day. The doctor says he's recovering well. He should be walking fine again soon." Matilda looked at her with clear warmth in her eyes. "Good girl. You and Anders are the only ones I can really count on anymore. Take good care of him. Once he's better, you two should go ahead and have the wedding. And after that-have a baby soon." Emily blushed, lowering her head with a shy smile.