The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 2313

Alyssa felt the venom in Mara’s gaze, and Dean, sensing the tension, furrowed his brows and stepped protectively in front of Alyssa.

“This is our family home,” he said firmly, his voice leaving no room for argument. “We’re not asking for your opinion, Mara; we’re informing you to leave. Don’t get it twisted.”

Though Dean had aged, his presence commanded respect.

His reminder jolted Mara back to reality, and her demeanor shifted to one of pitiable distress. She was biding her time, waiting for Balfour to return. She knew she could cause a scene once he was back.

Ivy, hugging her knees, sat down on the cold, damp ground as the twilight deepened and the woods grew chillier. She looked around, feeling the imposing trees closing in, barely able to make out the mysterious shapes in the dark underbrush, a shiver of fear running through her.

She wondered where the search parties were. They should have been on their way back by now. How much longer would she have to wait?

Gingerly, Ivy touched her injured ankle.

“Please don’t be broken. I can’t afford a

at

murmured to herself, trying to keep her spirits up, hoping Alyssa would

and send someone to

who could they send?

her earlier. Would he even bother

keep warm. The longer she stayed in this desolate place, the more her heart ached. None of this mess was her fault, yet she’d been berated and left

her for

I did. Stupid! I won’t make the

carried Mara past her, but now, in

my fault,” she sniffled. “Why am I the one getting yelled at? Just because I didn’t run into the woods and

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