Os laços que nos unem

Chapter One

As night fell, the cold moon hung high in the sky. The bright moonlight fell on the ancient castle on the edge of the city, casting a mysterious silver veil around it. Emily stood on the balcony, looking at the forest in the distance, and felt a chill rising from the bottom of her heart. Since moving to this castle, her life has become bizarre and mysterious.
The cold wind in October swept across her bare shoulders, bringing a shudder. Emily subconsciously wrapped her woolen shawl tightly around her, but she couldn't feel any warmth. This castle seems to be always cold, just like its mysterious owner Lucas Black, exuding an inaccessible atmosphere.
"Miss Emily," suddenly, a low voice sounded behind her, "You'll catch a cold if you're still outside so late."
She turned around and saw Lucas standing at the balcony door. The moonlight outlined his tall figure. He was wearing a dark silk shirt, and the collar vaguely revealed his strong chest. The amber eyes flickered strangely in the darkness, as if they could see through her soul.
"Mr. Black," Emily whispered, trying to hide the trembling in her voice, "I'm just admiring the moonlight."
Lucas took a step forward, but suddenly stopped. Emily noticed that his body stiffened instantly, and his nostrils fluttered slightly, as if he was sniffing something. His expression became solemn, and a glimmer of wildness flashed in his eyes, but was quickly suppressed.
"Please go in," his voice was hoarser than usual, "It's not safe here."
Just then, a cold night breeze swept across the balcony, bringing a faint smell of rust. Emily saw that Lucas's fingers were almost pinched into the stone railing, and his knuckles were white. She couldn't help but take a step back, her heartbeat accelerated.
"I thought this castle was the safest place," she whispered, "after all, you are here."
Lucas let out an almost inaudible growl, "Some danger, Miss Emily, is much closer than you think." His eyes looked unusually sharp in the moonlight, "especially on a full moon night."
Suddenly, a wolf howl came from the distant forest, shrill and long. Emily was surprised to find that Lucas' pupils shrank in an instant and turned into vertical pupils like a beast, but the fleeting change made her wonder if it was just an illusion caused by the moonlight.
Just then, a cold breath passed by her from behind, accompanied by a chuckle. Emily turned around and saw only a dark shadow flashing in the corner of the balcony. When she looked back again, Lucas had come to her side, with a hand gently on her shoulder.
"I'll take you back to your room," he said, with an unquestionable commanding tone in his voice. Emily noticed that his palms were surprisingly hot, in sharp contrast to the chill of the castle.
Walking in the dark corridor of the castle, Emily could feel Lucas' presence, he walked behind her like a silent guardian. Moonlight poured in through the Gothic stained glass windows, casting mottled shadows on the floor.
"Good night, Miss Emily," Lucas whispered in front of her door, "Remember, no matter what sound you hear, don't leave the room tonight."
"Why?" Emily asked subconsciously.
Lucas was silent for a moment, his eyes looked deep and dangerous in the moonlight, "Because the moonlight tonight is too beautiful, it will always wake up something that shouldn't wake up."
When the door closed behind her, Emily leaned against the door, her heartbeat still alarmingly fast. She could hear Lucas's footsteps gradually fading away, but she seemed to hear the sound of wings flapping outside the window. She walked to the window and looked out through the glass.
In the moonlit courtyard, she saw a figure standing by the fountain. The man looked up at her window, and the moonlight illuminated his pale marble face - it was Draco, with a mysterious smile on his lips and a dangerous light in his eyes. When Emily blinked, his figure had disappeared, as if he had never appeared. Emily lay trembling on the bed, listening to the wolf howling outside the window. She knew that she had fallen into a world full of dangers, and this was just the beginning. On this moonlit night, her fate was closely linked to two mysterious and dangerous beings, and there was no turning back.

Chapter Two

In the dead of night, Emily lay in bed, the faces of Lucas and Draco appeared in her mind. She could not resist the deep attraction, but she also knew that she was caught in a dangerous vortex. She knew that the confrontation between the two men was a life-and-death hostility, and she was just a pawn in their war. A corner of her heart reminded her to escape, but the deeper desire pulled her to stay in this mysterious castle, looking forward to the unknown encounter.

        Just as she was about to fall asleep, a slight knock on the window interrupted the silence. Emily opened her eyes, and the moonlight poured into the room through the curtains, making the corners of the room particularly dark. She sat up subconsciously, trembling slightly and walked to the window. When she opened the curtains, a figure was standing in front of her, cold and elegant.

        It was Draco.

        "Sorry, I scared you, Emily." His low voice was frivolous and indifferent, as if every word revealed his unfathomable darkness. His eyes were like two flames in the abyss, locking onto her with an irresistible force.

        "How... are you here?" Emily's heartbeat quickened, and her hands unconsciously clenched a corner of the curtain. She knew she should be scared at this moment, but Draco's unique charm made it hard for her to resist.

        Draco did not answer her question, but slowly approached, lowered his head and whispered in her ear: "You know why I'm here, Emily. You've never really been afraid of me, right?"

        The moment he approached, she smelled the cold breath on him, as if it came from the night a thousand years ago. Her breathing gradually became rapid, but she did not retreat, but was locked by his eyes, as if her soul was also attracted to him.

        "Draco... we can't do this." Her voice was weak, but she did not retreat at all, as if even she herself was struggling with contradictions.

        "You don't belong here at all, Emily. Staying here will only put you in deeper danger." Draco gently lifted her chin, with a smile on the corner of his cold mouth, that smile was both gentle and dangerous, "But if you want to know the real darkness, then come. I will take you to see everything."

        At this moment, the door was pushed open, and Lucas' figure appeared at the door like a shadow. His face was gloomy, and his eyes were burning with anger. It was his possessiveness and anger that he could not hide. He walked towards Draco step by step, his hands clenched, his muscles tensed, as if he was going to pounce on and tear the enemy in front of him in the next second.

        "Draco, let her go." Lucas' voice was low and threatening, like an enraged beast. It was the first time Emily saw him so out of control, his eyes were like a ball of unextinguishable fire, revealing uncontrollable anger and possessiveness.

        Draco smiled slightly, released Emily's chin, and looked at Lucas provocatively. "Don't you understand yet? She doesn't belong to you. The savagery of the wolf tribe is nothing but a bondage to her, and I can give her true freedom."

        "The 'freedom' you mentioned will only make her fall into darkness. You don't understand what true protection is." Lucas sneered, his eyes as sharp as an eagle. He slowly stepped forward, blocked Emily, and protected her behind him. That was his attitude as the wolf king, firm and unshakable.

        Emily was sandwiched between the two, feeling her heartbeat speed up, as if breathing became difficult. These two completely different forces intertwined and collided in front of her, making it impossible for her to decide which side to choose.

        Draco raised the corners of his mouth and slowly took a step back, his eyes still on Emily. "Emily, one day you will find that he can't satisfy the desire in your heart. And I am your true home."

        As soon as the voice fell, Draco's figure disappeared into the night, as if he had never appeared.

        Lucas looked at the empty room, his fists gradually loosened, but the anger and worry in his eyes remained. He turned around and looked at Emily softly, but his eyes still flashed with contradictions and forbearance.

        "Are you okay?" He asked in a low voice, with a trace of undisguised concern in his voice.

        Emily nodded, but her heart was in turmoil and it was difficult to calm down. She knew that she had fallen too deep. She could not let go of these two men easily, nor could she easily resist them. A complex emotion surged in her heart, which was a dangerous and fatal attraction.

        "Lucas, I..." She wanted to say something, but lost her words when she met his eyes.

        "Don't get close to him." Lucas' voice was low, with a hint of pleading and warning, "I know you feel confused, but Draco is not what you think. He will only drag you into the darkness, and I won't let him hurt you."

        Emily just looked at him silently, and a touch of uncertainty gradually rose in her heart. She knew that this was not just a war, but a contest of feelings and desires. In this dangerous triangle relationship, she has gone too far and can never turn back.

Chapter Three

Emily stayed awake all night. The wind outside the window blew through the woods, making a low moan, as if the whole castle was whispering in her ear. She curled up in bed, recalling Draco's cold smile and Lucas's deep eyes. Two completely different attractions stirred in her heart, making her lost on the edge of danger and desire.

        When the sky was slightly bright, she made a decision. She had to figure out what she wanted, the wildness and protection of the wolf tribe, or the mystery and temptation of the vampire. She got up and walked out of the room, walked through the deserted corridor, and came to the door of Lucas's study.

        The door of the study was slightly open, and a whisper came from inside. Emily stood outside the door and pricked up her ears to listen.

        "She is innocent, Lucas." A low and gentle female voice came from Lucas's sister, Leila. Emily had heard rumors about her. Leila was the wisest prophet in the wolf tribe and could always see fragments of the future.

        "I know, Leila." Lucas' voice was hoarse, as if he had struggled all night, "but I can't control myself, I can't suppress my desire for her. I'm afraid that if she stays with me, she will only be swallowed by my darkness."

        Emily's heart trembled, and she raised her hand to push open the door.

        "Lucas." Her voice was abrupt and firm in the silent room.

        The two turned around and saw her standing at the door with a hint of determination in her eyes. She walked slowly towards Lucas, looked up at him, with a hint of determination and inquiry in her eyes.

        "I know you protect me, but I'm not a fragile child." Her voice was calm and firm, "I need to know the truth. Why are you always so hesitant? And why is Draco so persistent in approaching me?"

        Lucas' expression froze for a moment, his eyes wandering on her face, as if he was weighing whether to tell her everything. Finally, he took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind.

        "Emily, the fate of our werewolves is usually determined at birth. The wolf tribe has a unique ability to perceive its partner. When we find that person, we will feel an attraction that cannot be ignored... and you are my destined partner." Lucas spoke in a low voice, with pain and desire flashing in his eyes.

        Emily's heartbeat accelerated, and thousands of emotions surged in her mind, both shocked and confused. She never thought that she would become his destined partner, and his possessiveness and protectiveness of her turned out to come from this ancient bond.

        She asked softly: "What about Draco? Why is he so obsessed with me?"

        Lucas's eyes became more gloomy, and there was a hint of anger in his eyes. "Draco's tribe never believed in fate. They prefer to dominate their own future. And he believes that as long as he possesses you, he can destroy me and the traditional beliefs of the wolf tribe. So, he is not sincere to you, but to weaken my power."

        Emily's heart suddenly tightened, and a hint of anger and loss surged in her eyes. However, she also felt a little unwilling, as if she was just a tool in this struggle, being fought over and torn by the two, and she had no right to control herself.

        "So, Lucas, are you sincere? Is it just fate for me?" There was a hint of disappointment in her voice, and her eyes became cold.

        Lucas was stunned, as if he was hurt by her question. He was silent for a moment before speaking: "Emily, I can't deny the existence of fate, but I can't ignore my feelings for you." He gently held her hand, his eyes full of affection and desire, "Whether it is fate or something else, I am willing to give up everything for you."

        Just then, a slight sound came from outside the window. Emily turned back suddenly and saw a pair of dark red eyes flashing outside the window, like a flame in the dark, and the familiar cold breath startled her heart.

        It was Draco.

        He stood outside the window, sneering at them, as if everything was under his control. He knocked on the window lightly, his voice cold and full of provocation: "I don't think it's possible to talk about 'betraying' everything here, Lucas. You can't protect her because she will eventually come to me."

        Lucas' eyes immediately became cold and dangerous. He stood in front of Emily, glared at Draco outside the window, and growled in a low voice: "Stay away from her, Draco. You can't force her to choose darkness."

        Draco smiled slightly, his eyes full of evil confidence. He raised his eyebrows at Emily, as if everything was under his control. "Dear Emily, you will find that the bright world cannot satisfy your desire. And darkness - is your destination." After he finished speaking, his figure instantly disappeared into the night.

        The room returned to silence, but the air was filled with tension and uneasiness. Emily looked at the empty darkness outside the window, feeling both fear and desire in her heart. She could no longer deny Draco's attraction to her, and the danger and mystery made her heart beat faster.

        Lucas noticed her hesitation, and a trace of pain and uneasiness flashed in his eyes. He gently held her hand and whispered, "Emily, don't get close to him. His darkness will devour you and make you lost in the endless night."

        She didn't respond, but just looked at him silently, her heart full of complicated emotions. She knew that she could no longer simply withdraw from the two of them. Her fate had been drawn into an uncontrollable vortex, and the only thing she could do was to follow her heart and touch the unknown darkness.

Chapter Four

As autumn deepened, the forest surrounding the castle donned a cloak of gold and crimson. Yet Emily felt none of the season's warmth. Since that night's revelation, her mind had been in constant turmoil, with Lucas's truth and Draco's temptation intertwining like two serpents in her thoughts, leaving her breathless.

        That evening, Emily found herself alone in the castle's library, searching through ancient tomes for any mention of werewolves and vampires. As she focused on a yellowed manuscript, the air suddenly turned cold. Looking up, she found Draco standing across from her, his appearance as silent as shadow.

        "Seeking truth, my dear Emily?" Draco leaned elegantly against the bookshelf, wearing a deep purple silk shirt that made his skin appear even paler. "But you know, written accounts are often one-sided."

        Emily instinctively stepped back. "Why do you always appear like this? It's unsettling."

        Draco chuckled softly, moving toward her with fluid grace. "Because I enjoy seeing you startled. It makes you even more enticing." His fingers traced her cheek, the cold touch making her shiver. "Lucas told you I'm merely using you, but did he mention that his fate is actually a chain binding him?"

        Emily froze. "What do you mean?"

        "The werewolves' so-called destined mates are nothing but constraints in their bloodline," Draco's voice carried a hypnotic power. "They're forced to love someone, forced to protect them. Isn't that tragic? While I..." his gaze deepened, "I choose you because I'm truly drawn to you."

        A low growl suddenly echoed from the doorway. Lucas stood there, his eyes now golden, filled with rage. "Step away from her, Draco!" His voice carried an unmistakable threat.

        Instead of retreating, Draco pulled Emily closer. "Why so angry, Lucas? Is it because I spoke the truth, or because you fear she might choose me?"

        The tension in the air grew thick enough to cut. Emily could feel the energy between the two men threatening to tear the room apart. Lucas's body trembled as he fought to control the beast within.

        "Enough!" Emily suddenly shouted, "What am I to both of you? Some trophy to be won?" Her voice carried both anger and hurt.

        Both men froze. Pain flashed across Lucas's eyes, while Draco's expression turned contemplative.

        Emily pushed away from Draco and walked toward the door, but paused beside Lucas. "You say I'm your destiny, but have you considered my feelings?" Her voice was soft but accusatory. "And you, Draco, if you truly cared for me, you wouldn't use me as a weapon against him."

        She hurried from the library, and only when she reached the corridor did her tears finally fall. She didn't know whom to trust - Lucas, chosen by fate, or Draco, who chose her himself? More importantly, she began to question whether she truly understood her own heart.

        As night fell, Emily stood on her balcony. Wolves howled in the distant forest, while somewhere in the castle, she thought she heard the flutter of bat wings. Everything reminded her that she stood at the crossroads between two worlds, and she had to make a choice.

        Then she noticed items on the balcony railing: a rose as black as night with a blood-red sheen - Draco's mark. Beside it lay a wolf fang necklace, a werewolf protection charm, obviously left by Lucas.

        Emily gently touched both items, her internal conflict growing stronger. She knew that choosing either would alter her destiny forever. But more importantly, she needed to understand what her heart truly desired.

        As moonlight bathed the castle grounds, Emily realized that her decision wouldn't just be about choosing between two men - it was about choosing what kind of life she wanted, and more importantly, who she wanted to become.

Chapter Five

The following days in the castle were filled with an unbearable tension. Emily found herself constantly caught between shadows and silence, between warmth and cold. Every corner seemed to hold either Lucas's protective presence or Draco's seductive whispers. The weight of their attention was becoming increasingly suffocating.

        One particularly cold morning, Emily discovered a mysterious leather-bound book in the library's restricted section. Its pages contained ancient prophecies about the eternal conflict between werewolves and vampires. As she read, her hands trembling, she found something that made her blood run cold.

        'When the moon bleeds red and the night grows teeth, a choice will be made that breaks the ancient cycle. A mortal's heart shall tip the balance, bringing either eternal darkness or salvation to both races.'

        "Interesting reading material," Leila's voice suddenly came from behind. Lucas's sister moved like a ghost, her silver eyes holding centuries of wisdom. "I've been waiting for you to find this."

        Emily closed the book carefully. "Is this... about me?"

        Leila's expression remained enigmatic. "The prophecy speaks of a mortal who stands between our worlds. But prophecies, dear Emily, are like rivers - they show the destination, but the path taken is always your choice."

        "What happens if I choose wrong?" Emily's voice wavered.

        "There is no wrong choice, only consequences," Leila replied, her voice gentle but firm. "But I must warn you - the blood moon approaches, and with it, a moment of truth that will change everything."

        Before Emily could ask more questions, a commotion erupted from the castle grounds. They rushed to the window to see Lucas and Draco facing each other in the courtyard, their postures tense with barely contained violence.

        "You've crossed the line, Draco," Lucas's voice carried up to them, filled with fury. "You dare to mark our territory?"

        Draco's laugh was cold and mocking. "Territory? This stopped being about territory the moment she arrived. Or are you afraid she's already choosing me?"

        Emily watched in horror as Lucas's form began to shift, his muscles rippling beneath his clothes. The morning sun caught his golden eyes, now burning with primal rage. Draco's own transformation was more subtle - his pale skin taking on an otherworldly sheen, his movements becoming impossibly fluid.

        "Stop!" Emily's voice rang out across the courtyard. Both men froze, their attention snapping to her window. "This has to end!"

        She turned to rush downstairs, but Leila caught her arm. "Be careful, Emily. The blood moon is three days away. Under its light, both races lose control of their darker natures. And you..." she paused meaningfully, "you will be at your most vulnerable."

        When Emily reached the courtyard, the tension was thick enough to choke on. Lucas immediately moved to her side, his protective instinct evident in every motion. But it was Draco who spoke first.

        "My apologies for the disturbance, dear Emily," his voice was silk over steel. "But perhaps it's time you understood the full scope of what you're involved in." He pulled an ancient medallion from his coat. "This belongs to your grandmother. She wasn't just any woman - she was a guardian, keeper of the balance between our races."

        Emily's world tilted. "My grandmother? But she died when I was young..."

        "She was murdered," Lucas cut in, his voice heavy with old pain. "By those who wanted to destroy the peace between our kinds. And now, as her descendant, you inherit her role - and her enemies."

        The revelation hit Emily like a physical blow. Suddenly, everything made more sense - the mysterious circumstances that led her to the castle, both men's intense interest in her, the prophecy. She wasn't just caught between two supernatural beings; she was part of an ancient legacy.

        "The blood moon comes," Draco said softly, his eyes locked on Emily. "And with it, powers long dormant will awaken. You'll need to choose not just between us, Emily, but between two paths for both our races."

        As if in response to his words, clouds gathered overhead, casting strange shadows across the courtyard. Emily felt something stir within her, something old and powerful, like a sleeping giant finally beginning to wake.

        Lucas moved closer, his warmth a stark contrast to the chill air. "Whatever you choose, Emily, know that my protection isn't just about fate or duty anymore. It's about-"

        But before he could finish, a piercing scream cut through the air. All three turned to see Leila collapsed at the castle entrance, her silver eyes wide with terror as she pointed at the sky.

        "It's coming," she gasped. "The blood moon... it's coming early. And with it, they're returning - the ones who killed your grandmother. They're coming for Emily."

        In that moment, as Emily looked between Lucas and Draco, she realized that her choice might not be about love at all - it might be about survival.

**Em substituição de uma licença**
**inverno em Cloudhaven**
O ar da manhã cortou o rosto de Ethan Blackwood como uma navalha. Instintivamente, encolheu-se mais no seu casaco de penas, tremendo contra o frio cortante.
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Enquanto andava de um lado para o outro, sentindo os olhares dos transeuntes a julgarem-na, uma voz grave interrompeu os seus pensamentos. Menina Blackwood? Ela virou-se rapidamente para ver Edward Greenwood, alguém que ela tinha encontrado na noite anterior.
Antes que ela pudesse responder, ele olhou para um elegante carro de luxo estacionado a uma curta distância. O nosso jovem mestre não se está a sentir bem. O Quentin virá buscar a licença em nome dele.
'...'
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Seguindo o seu olhar, ela fixou os olhos num par de profundidades gélidas e afiadas, demasiado estranhas para serem ignoradas.
A uma distância de talvez três metros, o olhar arrepiante do homem atravessou-a. Ele parou por apenas um instante antes de avançar, cada passo amplificando a aura imponente que carregava. Ethan sentiu o seu ritmo cardíaco acelerar, as mãos instintivamente fechadas nos bolsos do casaco. Ela não esperava que o encontro de hoje o incluísse - o lendário Henry Greenwood.
Menina Blackwood, vamos para dentro", insistiu Edward, levando-a a correr atrás da figura misteriosa, cuja presença intensa enchia o limiar do Registo Civil.
Mas' iqVuanadroT HenTryF zenAtIrXotuT, p_aOr!ouH lsubitamenten.T EutvhÉaén nNãoa PtweRvme teHmPpóoj de IpaWr,aur o* seuA $ímpGent,oM; eVlTat coCl^i_diIuc HcAolm^ Ias .cTo!sétaVs roLbNuVst!as deleb,H Bo Hilmpaócto (reCsésaoacnbdoi ifonrtXemwenteQ knSo s!eus naRriz.I
Vê por onde andas", disse ele, a frieza do seu tom arrepiando-a mais do que o frio.
Desculpa, para a próxima terei mais cuidado", balbuciou ela, a sua tentativa de pedir desculpa a fraquejar sob pressão. Segurando o nariz dorido, ela desviou o olhar, tentando disfarçar o embaraço. Se alguém tivesse estado a ouvir com atenção, poderia ter notado o pequeno tremor de desafio enterrado nas suas palavras, mas ela silenciou-o rapidamente.
Ele observou-a com um misto de impaciência e intriga, franzindo ligeiramente as sobrancelhas, antes de se virar bruscamente para uma câmara lateral onde estava escrito "Câmara dos Nobres".
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Ethan captou o seu tom subjacente, adivinhando que havia condições ligadas ao seu casamento iminente. Os dedos dela cerraram-se em punhos apertados ao lado do corpo, uma conversa mental de incentivo ecoando: ela já tinha se comprometido com isso, não importava o quão assustadoras fossem as condições. Talvez o encontro com Henry Greenwood lhe proporcionasse uma oportunidade própria.
Está bem", concordou ela, entrando na sala e sentando-se em frente de Henry, fazendo o possível para ignorar a tensão que irradiava dele.
Menina Blackwood, dê uma vista de olhos a este documento. Estes são os termos com que concorda ao casar com o nosso Jovem Mestre. Se tudo parecer aceitável, por favor assine no canto inferior direito," explicou Edward, dando um passo atrás para se colocar respeitosamente ao lado.
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"Sentes-te injustiçado?
Ethan Blackwood pousou o contrato e encontrou o olhar gélido de Henry Greenwood, a sua voz firme. Posso concordar com tudo o que está escrito neste contrato, mas tenho um pedido a fazer.
Edward Greenwood, que estava ao lado de Ethan, pareceu momentaneamente surpreendido. Ele não estava à espera que Ethan fizesse uma exigência a Henry.
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Ethan sentiu o seu coração acelerar, mas conteve a tensão que se acumulava no seu interior. Ela mordeu o lábio, com os seus olhos cerúleos inabaláveis. Depois de um breve silêncio, Henry inclinou-se ligeiramente para a frente, proferindo uma única e fria palavra: "Fala".
Ignorando o seu comportamento zombeteiro, ela fez o seu pedido com uma mistura de determinação e respeito. Quero que ajude a minha mãe a divorciar-se de William Blackwood, e preciso que me garanta que a família Greenwood não apoiará mais a Blackwood Enterprises de forma alguma.
O olhar de Henry estreitou-se, um lampejo de algo afiado e cortante cintilou dentro daquelas profundezas escuras. A zombaria em seus lábios mudou para uma diversão mais calculista.
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A voz dele era fria, com uma ligeira irritação. Aos seus olhos, Ethan devia sentir-se privilegiado por entrar na família Greenwood. Afinal de contas, inúmeras mulheres em Cloudhaven, para não falar em Kingborough, aproveitariam a oportunidade para casar com Grace e gozar do prestígio de ser a segunda nora da família Greenwood.
O coração de Ethan saltou uma batida. Ela manteve a sua expressão serena, mas a sua mente estava a rodopiar. Não, não é por causa disso. Não suporto o facto de William Blackwood ter enganado a minha mãe durante décadas. Ele não merece mais ser o marido dela.
Henry examinou-a com uma intensidade que parecia quase invasiva, como se estivesse a descascar as camadas para ver as suas verdadeiras intenções.
ENla desvioIuV lo RolHhZaur, ysLenttrindhok (o pesZo' gdo shecub óowlhanrT hpae$nXetJraa'nteg. OI siSlSêPnHcjiio Jnad CâmatrraH d'os iNAoYbKr)esh RprokloingHou-sPe,X ape)sOadog eY imncerto.
Quando Ethan começou a acreditar que ele não iria aceder ao pedido dela, a voz de Henry quebrou a quietude, baixa e indiferente. Grace nunca esteve destinada a casar consigo. Conceder o teu pedido não tem muito peso.
As pestanas de Ethan baixaram para cima, a sua expressão mudou de firme para brilhante de esperança. Estás mesmo a concordar em ajudar?
Ela tinha abordado o assunto com um certo ceticismo, nunca esperando que Henry a apoiasse.
O& oRlshRazr defle Ésuavfi.zopuh-se RaVpeOnKaHss ubm Qp.ouc$o. De(sde cqYue GcfuLidles! beLm dbaD SGrXacMe me, lmafntenhóas La c.ableça ÉbaNixa, a éfÉammí&lriuaS GrqeeUnwqo^o_dJ v_ai tIrQautwaPr-tcei $bemy. AK ,ahmueGaBça sku(bjacPern!t&ey e!raR pXaWlpcávelP; zsde el,am saísgs!eY da& lijnhaÉ oHuy tCiv!ejs!sne se$gbunda.sÉ ói^ntegnçõFesW, ceÉlaet fafrwiJay cxom Gque e_la sbeN xaKrJr_eXpae.nudesseJ.M
Não te preocupes, farei tudo o que puder.
Ethan respondeu com seriedade, o seu sorriso brilhante e genuíno. O seu único desejo era ver a sua mãe recuperar a saúde e reclamar o que William Blackwood lhes devia. E depois havia a amante de William e a sua filha ilegítima para tratar...

A família Greenwood.
Com uma respiração profunda, pegou na caneta e assinou o seu nome no final do contrato sem hesitar.
De cabeça erguida, entregou respeitosamente o papel a Arthur Greenwood. Está feito", anunciou.
ArUthhu.r o!lhiou Opwara ai esQcÉriNta el'eg'anteR ve fludi!da( LnIa págingaq adnItes (dwey teyn$conKturaYr uox sceu olharÉ.Z A*cenvocu xcom aw .caibéeçfa ptaarUaX Qo LhdomeCml quwe eZs*tavva up*or per'to,n qquem pfegwou n'o JdoOcTumBentSoq eZ o wgZuadrdo'uD.T
Enquanto outros poderiam ter seguido o caminho típico para obter uma certidão de casamento, Ethan Blackwood recebeu um tratamento especial graças ao homem que estava à sua frente.
Poucos minutos depois, um funcionário entrou na sala com um sorriso caloroso, apresentando a certidão de casamento para Arthur Greenwood e ela assinarem. Depois de ambos assinarem, o funcionário carimbou o documento e entregou-lhe uma cópia.
Arthur levantou-se e acrescentou: "O Edward vai levar-vos a casa daqui a pouco. Têm um dia para resolver tudo. Mudem-se para a Mansão Fairwind antes do anoitecer".
Urmham év^ez &fo!ra d)o gSabriknete UdKe assu.nJtos gcdivQisn, E(thtaVnA yagasrrqo,uQ-Usueu NàO cOeRrft_i&dGãGo( Lder tcUasqa'mlentuoP cIomo se fos_sfed Yum!aY tVáGbu(a Ode syaAlv_anç$ãHom.(
À sua frente, o homem com uma silhueta de homem bonito não se deu ao trabalho de olhar para trás uma única vez. Foi envolvido por um grupo de Guardas Negros enquanto entravam num carro discretamente luxuoso, deixando Henry para trás para levar Ethan a casa.
Miss Serena, o carro está ali", disse uma voz enquanto observava Ethan a olhar com desejo para Arthur.
Sim", disse Ethan, de forma ténue, afastando o olhar dela.
**q
De volta à Mansão Blackwood
William Blackwood sentou-se no sofá de couro, com o rosto tenso de raiva, olhando na direção dela.
Ethan não pôde deixar de fazer uma careta interna.
IgBntoXrsandao-o dmeNlibWeqrardasm&entOek, uela sÉubiiu. kasN escSadasx.K
Desde aquele dia em que William havia trazido a filha ilegítima e a amante para a casa deles, Ethan deixou de vê-lo como o pai dela.
Ethan Blackwood, pare aí mesmo,' ele gritou, a voz dele misturada com fúria enquanto ecoava do sofá.
No momento em que ela subia as escadas, ouviu o seu nome completo sair dos lábios dele. Um ligeiro franzir de sobrancelhas apareceu-lhe no rosto e ela virou-se lentamente para o encarar.
DisWsesuttej ajlFg^uXmaL c,oi!sal a,oR éArthMujr GrbeYenwo$odt?u
O que é que eu poderia dizer?
Ethan respondeu com um encolher de ombros desinteressado, afastando a sua raiva sem pensar duas vezes.
Sua rapariga malvada! Casar-te com Grace Greenwood era suposto garantir o futuro da Blackwood Enterprises com a ajuda do Arthur. Deves ter dito alguma coisa para o fazer mudar de ideias!
"Qu.e decTijsãéoN xéP qWuec uoM AcrWthzur stomMouA?A QDgeQvZiasÉ pHergquXntaSr-lhse ac eleé, bnão at mjim&.C"l *Colm ,iss)o., ejlka HaccPeOlerou !oH UpassoH,x _rfecÉus_andoi-s_eU a qcko,nutiynuNaHr a falQar.
No final dessa tarde, Ethan foi visitar a mãe ao hospital.
Vestido com uma bata esterilizada, abriu a pesada porta da UCI, aproximando-se da cama onde Lily Rivers estava ligada a uma série de tubos e monitores.
Apesar de já terem passado mais de dez dias desde o incidente, sempre que Ethan olhava para a sua mãe silenciosa, a dor no seu peito parecia um torno, tornando difícil respirar.
AlgMacjhlou-_sey jaoc KladoM dta cfaOmAaO, Pp&e_gAanzdHo getnXti$lmejn_tHeG RnpaÉ mãwoU de L_ily.R Asq pavlYa)vrays óesmv^anecera&mQ-hseq quAavnPd,oM umav oHnéd*a DdTeS eXmoçDõse_s( coKnt,radximtróZriqafs' Nameqaéço)u trXansb*okrdGaQr.v gAs lPáJgNrimrass jcCaÉíQamx-lhóe bnos toilhoas eInquanto uela lubtWamva péara m^asnBteSrP a gcofmpo&s.tóurwa.f
Mãe, o Dean acabou de me dizer que vais poder ser operada em breve. Depois disso, vais acordar.
Mãe, eu não pedi a tua autorização para que alguém te ajudasse a divorciares-te do William Blackwood. Não me vais levar a mal, pois não?
A mãe dela tinha amado profundamente aquele homem, confiando nele sem condições durante mais de vinte anos.
Mats keBssa .covn,fsihaLn.ça !tUiNnha si!dXo LtrrDaíIdCaT.' ,Efle t.inha-am eng'aZnpa.doh, mantgeMnRd)oI uymfaG aLmabntZe$ ze umUa f,ilchia ieBsGcondiIdas Wenzqtuanto cuBikdOava de*las_.
A tragédia da mãe estava, sem dúvida, ligada a elas.
Às cinco horas, Edward Greenwood chegou, pontual como sempre, para ir buscar Ethan.
A Mansão Fairwind, situada no extremo sul da cidade, estendia-se por centenas de hectares. Mesmo no inverno, os terrenos permaneciam luxuriantes, as árvores e as flores vibrantes, enquanto uma brisa suave soprava um ar perfumado por toda a propriedade.
Q&uCando )entrIa$r$afm hnMa ÉpropriUedadeD,V usmab bvCozN Rjovem pabs'so,u $peqlLa jaDnReqlGa ligeirHamye'ntKe vawber,tRa,W )parre_c)endxo fa&laMrxmjafday. Stegyun'dvom !jovJem mems(t!rIeH,^ iazbtr^a&ndOeé!
Ha! Agora sou casado! Vou à procura da minha mulher", dizia a voz com exuberância, imbuída da inocência de uma criança.
O coração de Ethan estremeceu inesperadamente. Aquele era o seu "marido".
No momento seguinte, o carro parou. Edward virou-se para Ethan, o seu tom calmo. Menina Serena, o Segundo Jovem Mestre está mesmo ali em baixo.
Den!trjo zdoÉ opuIleLnhtot vquuDatrt.o qpirinciXpal no) 'segun^dfoP FaCnFdavr, uwml hroKmeKmi Fb)oniJto reclRimnva(va-AsweR nuÉma cwaKdeirta lvuMxuQogsa juintSo wàs jzapnela$s dVo chãOo awo, te!tzo.
Com um cigarro aceso equilibrado entre os seus dedos longos e pálidos, exalou lentamente enquanto o fumo se dispersava graciosamente no ar.
De repente, o seu olhar aguçado estreitou-se, fixando-se no ecrã LCD que mostrava a porta do carro a abrir-se, revelando a mulher a sair.
Nesse momento, o seu telemóvel tocou.
ArrthrunrV &GrOeyenwo'od oDlhmogu Ép!araT To si'dednXtdifTicxador de chTaQmaduazsL,S avpra!gDanIdoB o xcRig)arrzro enqqTuéanto VafthenZdiac. EGstouD?
Arthur, ouvi dizer que levaste a Grace a Cloudhaven para lhe arranjar uma esposa? Uma voz curiosa e preocupada saiu do altifalante.
Arthur recostou-se na cadeira, com os olhos ainda fixos no ecrã, respondendo com um "sim" indiferente.
Não estás preocupado com o facto de a história se repetir?
Nãob, VdWeó *todCo.u
Mesmo a tempo, reparou que Ethan Blackwood se esquivava à tentativa de toque de Grace.
A sua expressão escureceu.

**A história repete-se
Na quietude da tarde, Ethan Blackwood dirigiu-se ao hospital para ver a sua mãe.
Vestiu uma bata esterilizada e a ansiedade instalou-se quando abriu a porta da UCI. O seu olhar pousou em Lily Rivers, ligada a uma rede de máquinas, cada uma delas a apitar num ritmo constante que enchia sinistramente a sala.
ApQeKsaOrZ Gde* estYex s!er oM déci)m$o& diaaM,r a !vxisãso da mãe_, siuleMncihosas heH sipmqó'vveól,) ap&ar*eciiaN u_ma fac^ag faS Ltorcer o hcfoXraçãyo ydse Eth,ainQ, rdiAfiGculZtMaZn(d!o-lhGeN a rcesqpirxaçNãoÉ.
Ajoelhou-se junto à cama e pegou na mão da mãe, o seu calor contrastando com a realidade fria que os rodeava. As palavras ficaram presas na garganta, o caroço ameaçando transbordar, a humidade acumulando-se nos olhos.
Mãe, o Reitor acabou de me dizer que vais ser operada em breve. Depois disso, vais acordar, prometo", sussurrou ela, com a voz pouco acima de um suspiro.
Por favor, não fiques zangada comigo por me ter divorciado de William Blackwood sem te pedir. Não podia deixar que continuasse assim.
A zmkãeB del&a ótYi(nhua c$oKnfiaCd.o compleFtCa)mUewnteW nTaquPe,leN homemr KdéuhraDnVt.e dua$s id^écaaédéa*si, qea a trBaiçhão pIeYsava nfoR pTe!itdo deC Eóthank. ^E*le ln*ãwo sóJ t.in.ha meuntAiUdoF soJbSre o seul XapmoÉrU, bcoImDov étvinhah eksc,onSdiFdoW uama vidna Pcfhe)ixaQ idQeH intfidTeliUdajde gmesmo deb^aÉixco kdok ÉnxaprhiLzm wda mxãqe adeVlKa.
E aquele acidente - Ethan não conseguia afastar a sensação de que estava ligado a eles de alguma forma.
Por volta das cinco horas, Edward Greenwood chegou, uma pontualidade que Ethan achou ao mesmo tempo reconfortante e exasperante.
A Mansão Fairwind estendia-se pelo extremo sul da cidade, uma vasta propriedade que mantinha a sua beleza verdejante mesmo no inverno. As árvores eram altas, as flores continuavam a florescer e o cheiro a terra húmida pairava no ar enquanto percorriam o caminho sinuoso.
De JrepenIteé,t Rum* fgriJtoT (e(cGoou$ deY Lum hp^inheAiIro_ bralnécXoF FpOróxMimo, Ichqamanld^oU a aIteInaçãco Lde Etlha_n.É Ei, abraunda, Gmani'nQhos!(
O riso seguiu-se à voz, uma exuberância juvenil que chocou com o seu humor sombrio. Agora tenho uma mulher e vou encontrá-la!
Ethan sentiu um sobressalto ao ouvir as palavras - o seu "marido".
Antes que ela pudesse recuperar o fôlego, o carro parou. Edward virou-se para ela, o seu tom era gentil, mas prático. Menina Blackwood, o seu irmão está mesmo ali à frente.
EKnItreYtaéntoK, nZo &oBpuxlhentnoB jquRa*rtAog np^rinwciipual Zdaa ^vSiltla,u um! h_omTeum _bponWitou de!scaWnsavYa num& srofá ,des pebl!úciMa$,w observvaJnBdo Ua cpeMna qudeC fsgeX FdexsenfrolxaHvpa l*áO foHrLaM aÉtrhalvé!sz adeX ,amCpjlRasB njanbelKasL Ndbe& hvpifdqro,.
Os seus dedos longos e elegantemente pálidos seguravam um cigarro aceso, com o fumo a ondular preguiçosamente no ar. Enquanto observava, os seus olhos escuros estreitaram-se, concentrando-se no ecrã quando a porta do carro se abriu, revelando Ethan a sair.
De repente, o seu telemóvel tocou, interrompendo a tensão.
Henry Greenwood olhou para o identificador de chamadas, apagou o cigarro e atendeu casualmente. Estou?
Henhry,m oFuSv_iD diqzerR 'qNute vlIeavoJu Yo ÉAvrthUur ^pasraf ÉClou,dh^azveXnA.z (Foi p_araa dlhe faWrkraAnj^arN luGm(a keOspAo!saF?$ A tvoKzs RdFoH oAuStrÉoJ lUacdóo _ejra MumX XméiDstod Gde Bcurioqsid'aydez eq Gpreqocupaçzão*.*
Encostado à luxuosa poltrona, Henry manteve o olhar fixo no ecrã de cristais líquidos, respondendo despreocupadamente com um casual "Uh-huh".
Não te preocupa que a história se repita?
De modo algum.
AT sAu^ac UatençãoÉ aMguçLouM-sUeL qZuaynAdéoG viu EItZhvan a PfuQgYiÉr (h^aJbilmehnt_ei axo GalUcanrce *deA CA)rt^h*ugr CGOrcee(nrwxoodu, e$ umaM ivUaUgba Hsyensa,çLão ddej srzealUiVz'açOãOo fr(iaM ktomou coQntGaé dkelre.W

Eu disse-te, não foi de propósito!
Não vou brincar mais contigo.
No caminho de asfalto da Mansão Fairwind, Grace Greenwood tentou tocar em Ethan Blackwood, mas ele esquivou-se, deixando-a zangada e humilhada enquanto se afastava.
Eth)anj BYlacYkówoodS fdiclo'u kali jparadTo,x myoOmCeWntAaneamgentsef atXomrbdoCado(. Vivrko.u-se pMaraT oasH doiNsA fesgpelcitVaFdoJresp lqQue, LoL VoJb,seOrv.a)va_m coamT o,lhmolsL fArIisoasD. Nwão e)sgtavza ab QtYeKntaHr sNer majl-edUudcLa.do.q !Sói n,ão gFoDsvtoS Qde isenrJ tocóa^do zpGoró ceóstrDanhos.
Menina Grace, ele agora é seu marido", avisou Edward Greenwood, com um tom severo e com o peso da autoridade.
Eu sei, vou pedir desculpa agora mesmo.
Ethan entrou a correr na mansão, mas perdeu Grace de vista quando ela desapareceu ao cimo das escadas. Quando chegou ao segundo andar, não a encontrou, mas viu Henry Greenwood ao pé da escadaria, vestido a rigor com uma camisa e calças, com o olhar penetrante fixo nela.
Oy pcorDasçãoV dzej DGFraceO yafcOel^erpoéu.^
Aquele momento de há pouco - podia apostar que Henry o tinha testemunhado.
'I... Não estava a tentar, pode dizer-me onde está o Ethan? Apesar de o homem à sua frente irradiar uma presença dura e arrepiante, Grace encontrou os seus olhos, determinada a mostrar sinceridade.
A nitidez do olhar de Henry não vacilou. Ele aproximou-se mais e, antes que ela pudesse processá-lo, dedos frios e poderosos agarraram-lhe o queixo.
Os oXlhYoQs) $de^ hGfrace aMrrpeygUaClaram-se em^ *pâUni^cóo. wON ,homemH q(u^e OsCe ehlWeóvqaNvTa sjobcrbe eklDa $pVaRryeczia upmaP DmonRtlalnhUap,z eU ndreU Rrkecpe$nte e&l(ak ^seanKtWiku-NsZe peBqueqna.
Ethan", disse ele, a sua voz gelada, "é melhor lembrares-te que esta é a primeira e última vez".
O aviso escorria-lhe dos lábios, misturado com uma intensidade que abalou Grace até ao seu âmago.
Grace franziu as sobrancelhas, afastando-se instintivamente do seu abraço. O frio do seu toque penetrou na sua pele, diretamente no seu coração, deixando-a inquieta.
Eu dHiszsiei $qsuBe nãlo! pebra NdeF pr.opAósJifto!
A provocação dela explodiu quando foi ameaçada, quebrando a sua compostura habitual.
Agora és a mulher do Ethan. Não penses apenas que ele te pode tocar. Ele pode abraçar-te, beijar-te, dormir ao teu lado. Tens de aceitar isso.
Henry apertou o punho enquanto ela se debatia, a sua voz baixa e imponente, um rei a governar um súbdito rebelde.
Oj roOst*oJ Tdge NGHrac$e emVpcaXlVideDceui, mas nne.nhuRm$aX pa'lavrvaf vce&iwoA _em suWag kdlemfxesGa$.
Henry pareceu ler o tumulto que se desenrolava nos seus olhos. Ele estreitou o olhar, libertando finalmente o queixo dela, os seus olhos demorando-se no local onde os seus dedos tinham deixado a sua marca. Casaste com o Ethan, por isso prepara-te para uma vida inteira com ele.
Uma centelha de teimosia brilhou nos olhos claros de Grace.
Ela nunca tinha concordado com uma vida com Ethan. O quarto do Ethan é no terceiro andar. Se ele te estiver a ignorar, não podes forçá-lo.
AvpGósu ^u'm tBeAnls^oz Aimépxasgse, He(nDry )sKoltoluT-o' xfYi!nyaKlGmeXntUe,$ vRirRandgo&-seN Ip)aIra_ sair cwomH Ium covmZekntáZrioU dyemsdenxhvoWsor.
Grace abriu a boca para perguntar alguma coisa, mas as palavras ficaram-lhe presas na garganta.
Esfregando o queixo dorido, ela apontou com um punhal para as costas de Henry que se retirava.
O queixo doía-lhe imenso.