#Chapter 68- Forgiveness

Cora It was one of those quiet early afternoons, the kind where the mansion didn’t have any noise beyond what was carried through the open windows, and the sun filtered through with the wind, setting everything aglow in gold. I was curled up on the couch with a blanket and a book that I wasn’t truly reading, half-listening to the sound of Riley playing in the other room. For once, I felt… still. I couldn’t help but savor this rare moment to breathe. With everything that had happened in the last few months, I almost couldn’t fathom this sense of ease. It had been so long since I had felt such peace, and I couldn’t help but credit Kingston for it. Kingston was still gone after he had left for a pack luncheon that morning, leaving a note to assuage any worry: I’ll be back before dinner. Lock the doors. Don’t answer unless you’re sure it’s someone safe. So as I enjoyed the sunlight and my afternoon, I hadn’t expected company. And I definitely had not expected her. The kno