Chapter 54

The clearing was silent, save for the faint rustle of the river’s current behind Gideon. The moonlight reflected off the water, casting eerie shadows across his sharp features. He stood tall and composed, his hands clasped behind his back as if this was just another meeting: a casual conversation between father and daughter. But it wasn’t casual. And it wasn’t just another meeting. “What do you mean, you’re going to tell me the truth?” Althea asked, her voice steady despite the tightness in her chest. She kept her distance, her hands clenched into fists at her sides as she stared him down. Gideon tilted his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “I mean exactly what I said. The truth about your mother. About her death.” Althea’s pulse quickened, her breathing shallow. “Her death was an accident. Everyone says so.” Gideon's smile widened, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Everyone says so, do they? And you’ve just taken their word for it all these years?” Her jaw tightened. “What are you