Chapter 9 - Unmasked
The force of the chandelier's impact tore the floorboards apart, creating a massive crater of shattered crystal, twisted steel, and burning wood. Julian was thrown violently backward by the shockwave, landing hard right in the middle of the open, blazing fireplace. His horrifying shriek of sheer agony echoed through the burning room before being completely swallowed up by the thunder of collapsing ceiling masonry.
Clara crawled out from under the heavy dust and flying glass debris, her lungs burning from the smoke, her body bruised and bloody. Shielding her eyes from the intense heat, she looked back toward the entrance of the library. Standing amidst the smoke was Lady Eleanor, holding a smoking, pearl-handled revolver. Tears washed clean lines down Eleanor's ash-covered cheeks. She dropped the heavy weapon, falling to her knees in complete emotional defeat. "I had to do it, Clara... he was going to kill you," Eleanor wept, her voice breaking into sob. "He found out about your father's true will last night... he was going to burn the estate with all of us inside so his family's debts and his true origin would die with us."
