Chapter 11: Bonds Forged in Truth

Silas slowly unbuttoned his shirt. Beneath the fabric, his pale skin was a patchwork of faint pink scars—the telltale hue of newly regenerated flesh. "My full name is Silas Ashwood," he stated, his voice low. "I am the 'deceased' younger brother Tanya Ashwood so often mourns." He paused deliberately, his fingers stilling, watching for Starling's reaction. To his surprise, she remained perfectly calm. He continued, the words laced with a bitter edge. "The 'accident' that nearly killed me, the kidnapping… they were all orchestrated by Tanya. I thought… perhaps I could help you see the other side of my sister. The vile, treacherous side." Starling accepted this alliance with a quiet nod. Her grandfather's influence was vast and intricate; early that very morning, he had already sent her a file confirming Silas's true identity. A flicker of fond exasperation crossed her mind. She had intended to handle everything herself befo