#Chapter101 Why hadn't I?

Violet As I led her through the quiet halls of the castle, away from the crowd and the weight of their judgmental stares. Her fingers clung tightly to my sleeve, as if letting go would send her spiraling into oblivion. I could only imagine that to her it felt like it would. She sniffled, trembling beside me. The scent of fear filled the air as we walked. “You’ll stay in Darkmoon,” I told her, keeping my voice steady and firm, hoping to anchor her in the moment. “We have an orphanage system in place, one of the best among the noble territories. You’ll be safe there, and you’ll be educated properly.” She gave a weak nod, but she didn’t say anything. Her breath was still uneven, shallow, like she was trying not to cry but failing. I guided her into one of the guest rooms on the upper floors away from where the rest of the guests would be staying and shut the door behind us. The moment I did, she broke. A ragged sob tore from her throat as she collapsed onto the bed, her whole bo