Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Carissa jumped in. "Did she resemble my mother when you saw her in person?"

Violet replied, "Honestly, I felt a sense of familiarity right away, but it didn't click at the time. Now that I look at these paintings, it's clear. Kyle has captured her likeness remarkably well, even her expressions. That's why I could tell there was some resemblance. Darin is a living person, but she has been trained to carry herself like a proper lady, which makes the similarity less obvious."

"Wait, Your Grace. Let me ask my questions first," Jacob interjected, feeling a tingle of unease wash over him from head to toe.

He couldn't explain why he felt that way, but the feeling that everything was unreal was overwhelming.

Just moments ago, he and Kyle were still trying to determine which painting best matched Jaina's current appearance. Before they had settled on anything, however, Violet returned and suddenly announced she had just seen his sister.

It felt so surreal, as if he was in a dream.

Jacob had thought he would have to traverse mountains and rivers and face countless dangers to find Jaina. He even entertained the thought that she might no longer be alive. He dared not dwell on it, though, as that thought alone caused his heart to ache painfully. But now, Jaina was right here in the capital, in Grovehill Estate-and a pawn of Eleanor at that.

Eleanor's pawns rarely had a good ending.

That was why he wanted to ask his questions first. He needed answers, so he pushed closer and looked at Violet intently. "You mentioned that there might be more to her being saved by Eleanor, Ms. Spencer. What's the story behind that? Please tell me." Jacob was obviously distressed. His eyes were bloodshot, and he was clearly struggling to hold back his tears. Violet felt a pang of sympathy at his state.

the first time, she put Carissa second and chose to

all know... Well, those of us present know that Eleanor has a fondness for collecting

collapsed to the floor, his face pale and

Violet called out.

to Thomas? Gemma-Madam Kingsley-claims Darin was engaged early on, but fiance died. The locals in Stonebridge County think she's a widow who brings misfortune, which is why her

pausing too much

pressed him back into a chair.

be

er childhood appearance

necessarily accurate. So, Darin may not be

excitement. "I know, I understand that. But I need to see her. She was abducted when she was seven. She should have memories from before that time. It might be faint, but she

replied, "I wouldn't

sees Eleanor as her savior.

us. If