To Mark Her

Ophelia could not find it in her life for her to respond. If she did, all of her secrets would unravel. A single name was all he needed, but it'd undo her entire identity. He'd discard her. She had revealed her thoughts about the auction house, but now, her horrid childhood and questionable illegitimate status?

Ophelia had seen it happen. She had witnessed men beat their wives in public for deceit. They had grabbed fistfuls of her hair whilst smacking their own woman. Matriarch Eves took Ophelia there to specifically show her the consequences of disobeying the husband.

'He must never know.'

Ophelia would never forgive herself if something happened to her Papa in the process of Killorn getting revenge. She couldn't envision putting her family in harm, for only Matriarch Eves was cruel to her.

"P-please…" Ophelia begged. "I-I already said enough t-today."