Chapter 5: A Second Collar
The envelope still lay where she left it, untouched on the edge of the fireplace mantel, as if it could burn her fingers just by existing. Magnolia stared at it for a long time without blinking. The gold seal of Sterling Rhodes shimmered faintly in the soft evening light. It was elegant. Deadly. Just like the man himself.
The letter wasn’t long. It didn’t need to be. Every word was a threat dressed in civility, every line a leash.
She read it again.
Play the Luna. Smile for the wolves. When the year ends, walk away quietly, and you’ll walk away wealthy. If not, the ashes you came from will be the only legacy you leave.
There was no signature. Just that same pressed wax. A seal that had ruined her life once before.
Magnolia’s chest tightened, but she didn’t cry. She was long past tears.
Instead, she took the envelope and shoved it deep into the drawer of her armoire. Out of sight wasn’t out of mind but it would give her the illusion of control. For now.
A knock tapped softly on her door.
She opened it to find a housemaid young, tense, eyes downcast holding a box of evening wear.
"Dinner in an hour," the girl said, voice quiet, trained. "Formal dress code. Carlton says you’ll be introduced to the full inner circle tonight."
Magnolia nodded. "Thank you."