#Chapter 16: Nothing More Important Than Their Sister

Ollie’s POV Silence fills the entire courtyard, as if those that haven’t even heard our conversation can still feel the weight of it and are compelled to be quiet. The ice cold glares of my brothers persist, freezing me from the inside out. But I don’t look away, lest the action be confused for the shame of deception. To prove I am telling the truth, I hold their gazes, even as I shiver. Well, all except Hugh. “There are punishments for lying to us,” Declan says, his voice flat. He doesn’t need to convey his anger for me to know how dangerous he is, or how serious his words are. That small spark of hope that they would believe me already starts to dwindle. “You shouldn’t go around accusing people,” Hugh says, though I still avoid looking directly at him and him alone. “Sylvia has already told us everything that happened.” “She’s been bullied, too,” Wes adds. “You would have to be truly heartless to accuse her of joining in, when she’s one of those three’s victims.” “It’s