Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 1605

I watched as Stephen continued to speak such cruel, cutting words. It was as though he was trying to push Rhea to take her own life, so he wouldn't need to do the deed himself.

"Your whole family is dead, and here you are, still alive, half-mad and useless. You're a disgrace, just like everyone else in your family. You dared to mock me for failing the examination? All of you deserve to die. Do you see that rope in the woodshed? Hang yourself with it. That way, you'll be reunited with your family.

"If you stay alive, they'll be trapped in the deepest hell. They'll burn every day, as well as have their tongues torn out and their hearts gouged. This is your punishment. This is the heavens' justice. Your whole family was wicked-always spreading lies and stirring up trouble. This is the price you pay. Evil people don't deserve to live."

The more I listened, the more furious I became. The one who had done evil was him, yet here he was, twisting words and pretending he was the righteous one.

Rhea was already half-mad. If he kept provoking her like that, it was possible she might truly take her own life.

I flung open my door and rushed out. Our rooms were right next to each other, so by the time I reached Rhea's, Stephen had not yet reacted and still had his hand pressed over her mouth. When he saw me, there was panic in his eyes. He let go of her at once.

Rhea had tears streaming down her face from fear, but she didn't scream. She didn't even make a sound.

I looked Stephen straight in the eye. "You're the one who killed her family."

There was a flicker of alarm in his expression, but he quickly arranged his face into one of innocence. "Who are you? What nonsense are you spouting? My mother was simply worried about Rhea and asked me to check on her."

"Drop the act. I heard everything. You were trying to coax her into killing herself," I said coldly.

Stephen was clever, too clever. He pretended to be shocked and said, "That's nonsense! My family has always taken care of her. Why would we wish her harm? And who are you, to make such wild accusations?

with proof. When did I ever say I killed her family? Did anyone else hear it? Do you have evidence? Our families have always been close-why would I harm them?

I was

brother, and my little sister. It was you!"

judge himself was the murderer. Your testimony counts for nothing. And truly, I am not the killer. I only came tonight because my mother asked me to. She feared you were having nightmares and might hurt yourself. She's ill, yet is still thinking of you. Is

meant!" Rhea sobbed,

My mother treats you like her own daughter, yet

Rhea

her eyes, I saw something

could deny it now all he

Without

back of the head. He collapsed

word,

coldly, watching over

the scene, stunned. The usual emptiness in her eyes had cleared. She looked present and

some clarity, I gently asked, "He's the one who did it, isn't

sobs quieted. She nodded firmly, hatred in

family?" I asked,

voice trembling. "I don't know... I don't

her eyes grow

face tight with fear,