The days after Luciana's return passed in a blur of silence and whispers.
The Blackthorne estate, once cold but predictable, now felt like a battlefield between shadows. And at its center stood Eleanor, refusing to be just another casualty.
But what she didn't know—
Was that the knife hadn't struck yet.
It was still waiting.
Poised. Hidden.
And it was coming from someone she trusted.
---
Fractures
Eleanor stood on the estate's balcony, arms folded, watching the sky shift into dusk. Her mind raced through every conversation, every look Luciana had given her. There was something unspoken in those words. A warning… or a threat.
"She won't stop," came a voice behind her.
Alexander.
She turned. He looked more tired than ever, like the pressure of proving himself was slowly cracking his foundation.
"I know," she said. "She's waiting for us to slip."
Alexander leaned on the balcony, next to her. "And what if we already have?"
Eleanor blinked. "What do you mean?"
He didn't answer immediately.
Instead, he reached into his coat and pulled out a photograph. Worn. Faded.
It was a picture of him as a child.
But not with Richard.
With Luciana.
"She raised me in secret," he said. "Kept me hidden from the others. Said I wasn't strong enough. That I had to earn my way in."
Eleanor's throat tightened.
"She made me believe I was weak," he continued, his voice hollow. "And now… I'm terrified she's right."
Eleanor placed her hand over his. "No, Alexander. You're not weak. You're human."
But before the moment could settle, the sharp click of heels on marble made them both turn.
Isla.
Dressed in black. Unapologetic. Holding something behind her back.
Her eyes glittered.
"I didn't want it to come to this," she said.
Alexander straightened. "Come to what?"
She stepped forward.
And dropped the file in her hand.
Dozens of documents scattered at their feet.
DNA reports. Signatures. Property transfers.
Eleanor bent down, picking one up.
Her blood ran cold.
It was a document, signed and sealed, stating that Alexander was not Richard Blackthorne's biological son.
"That's a lie," Alexander said quietly.
But his voice cracked.
Isla didn't flinch. "I warned you. Both of you. You should've stayed in your place."
Eleanor stood slowly, the paper trembling in her hands. "You gave this to Luciana."
Isla's expression hardened. "I gave her what she deserved. What I deserved."
Alexander looked at her, betrayal flooding his eyes. "You were my cousin."
"No," Isla hissed. "I was your competition. And now, I've won."
She turned to leave, but not before glancing back once. "Enjoy your fall, dear brother. The world will know soon enough."
---
Aftershocks
Eleanor sat beside Alexander in the silent drawing room, the fireplace crackling in the background.
He hadn't moved in hours.
"I should've seen it," he murmured. "She hated me. All along."
Eleanor brushed her fingers through his hair. "You loved her like family. That's not a weakness, Alexander."
He looked at her, eyes glassy. "She's going to destroy everything."
"No," Eleanor said firmly. "She's going to try."
He grabbed her wrist, gently but urgently. "I need you, Eleanor. Not just as a partner in this. But… if I lose everything, I can't lose you too."
Her breath caught.
He had never said it so plainly.
And it broke her heart.
"Then hold on to me," she whispered. "Because I'm not going anywhere."
---
The Beginning of the End
Late that night, Eleanor made her way to Richard's study.
She needed answers.
She needed truth.
But when she opened the door—
He wasn't alone.
Luciana stood by the fireplace, her back to her. Richard sat in his chair, as if resigned.
And on the desk—
Was a will.
Freshly signed.
Luciana turned, her smile cold. "Ah, Eleanor. Just in time."
"What is this?" she asked, stepping forward.
"Final preparations," Luciana said. "For the family's future."
Richard met Eleanor's eyes, and for the first time, she saw something there.
Defeat.
"Alexander is not the heir," Luciana said softly. "Not anymore."
Eleanor's hands curled into fists.
"You're making a mistake."
Luciana stepped closer, voice like silk-wrapped steel.
"Oh, darling. The mistake was ever believing love could win against blood."
---
Next Chapter: The Heirless Throne
With Alexander's claim shattered and Luciana rising to full power, Eleanor must confront a painful choice: protect the man she loves, or become the weapon that brings down the Blackthorne empire from within. Loyalties will burn. And Eleanor Windsor will rise—not as a bride, but as a force.