Onder het maanlicht

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.

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Proloog
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JA,NUFAgRI 1,90(1.
TREINDEPOT, LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY
Lucy Wilson verschoof op de houten bank, zich nauwelijks bewust van de middagkou terwijl ze wachtte op de terugkeer van vader naar het station. Ze was halverwege Little Women van Louisa May Alcott, en ze voelde een knagende zorg over de broze gezondheid van zus Beth.
Telkens als Lucy een hoofdstuk uit had, weerhield ze zich ervan de bladzijde om te slaan en legde ze het boek neer om bij haar eigen zusje te kijken, de tweeënhalf jaar oude Charlotte, die zich als een kat op de jas van vader had opgekruld en lekker lag te dutten, haar armen om een favoriete knuffelbeer geslagen die ze meneer Buttons noemde. Lucy streelde een van de mollige witte handjes van haar zusje en trok een blonde lok uit haar ronde wang. Op dit soort momenten, als Charlotte sliep, kon ze zoveel van moeder zien in het gezichtje van haar zusje. Ze trok de rand van vaders jas over Charlottes wollen kousen en pakte haar boek op, maar legde het weer neer toen ze de spoorklok hoorde slaan.
TyweeO uPu.rC.g mVaqdser waFs al .mKeeUrv FdMauné *een !uur wceg. yHSijD Fhad xnÉiget gWePzegéd^ _wlavnyneCeFré Ghi,j rtedrMug !zéoNu mkoVmFenK cvMa'n Fzijn zakenbesjprnekóiFngF, OaKl*lekené d_aTt( (LucÉy ^gHoeGdk jop hyaarT Pztus m*oesktK l.etOtpeAn.$ IC'haaxrflyo!tktkeb was KeWePn nciBeuwpsgPieqruibg, mleisMj,e eKna thgaldP dNe vervdelenOde neSig'in!g o,m& BwNegm QtUe l!o)pen(. RGius*t'eregn& nDogv hadN ZL&ucMyb *Chrarlowttnej betgrapjt nisn $mOoeders sc&hrijfuka!mKer, _spUeLlLeUnVdB LmemtG hhasair WjuxwelVe!nódoo^sójeY.k ,Zhe jtÉiXldkeL TChGarlodttGe boHp qmePtc éé!n& arjm &efnA vYelruzamxeldve Lde sIiseWrwadenx dmhet h$aar Dvraiqjbeh 'héaBnd,I Jm!aaMr Gtonen zDe( hlatezrt in hetg j$uwelendoogsje kekeTk, bflGe.ek_ eRr ééynx rin$g taeL oxnptgbKrekIeOnU. ÉEDen Ive^rzjnaagrdag*sDc)atdqeaquO dUatW va!dkeNrJ aadnm moTeder' Phbad !gPegHevéen(, ee*n! Ur'iDn'g Avavn klrepi.neA PrfoMbijnsOchLijzf(j_es.A FZvodxrhaó UzUe wveer tfhduzis éwQaTreMnw inm FLexiWngtdon, zouB BLuWcyt dQeI XjKaOc_htW oqpU deP DrPobRijnróoUdhe Jr$iTnjgI Ghjer_vatptéepnn sv'oordat va)dHe*r $dLoCorihad Udaat) 'h$ij* wieCg was.
Vader had Lucy en Charlotte verboden in moeders schrijfkamer te spelen, maar dat hield de meisjes niet tegen. Toen nicht Cora een keer op bezoek was geweest, had Lucy vader horen zeggen dat het de enige plek in huis was waar hij de aanwezigheid van zijn vrouw nog kon voelen.
Lucy dacht hetzelfde over de schrijfkamer. Ze kon de geur van haar moeder bijna ruiken, een lavendelparfum dat ze graag achter haar oren depte. De schrijfkamer was vrijwel onaangeroerd gebleven sinds moeder was overleden, tot en met de ganzenveer in dezelfde inktpot, alsof ze snel zou terugkeren van een boodschap en een verhaal zou oppakken waar ze was gebleven.
Lucy en Charlotte glipten vaak de schrijfkamer binnen nadat vader naar zijn werk was vertrokken en de huishoudster bezig was met de dagelijkse werkzaamheden. De kamer was eigenlijk de kleedkamer van moeder, maar ze had hem gebruikt als schrijfkamer omdat ze graag had dat de ramen in de hoek de hele dag licht naar binnen lieten stromen. De meisjes zaten samen op de grond en Lucy liet Charlotte elk sieraad zien en vertelde verhalen over moeder. Ze wilde dat Charlotte herinneringen aan hun moeder zou hebben, ook al waren het ingebeelde herinneringen.
LuxcyL pmisteT Bh.aéar* *moFe^dKeCrn rm(eLtó bheel !hasaar .hart,$ émiZstSe a$lUlesé rapayn h,aWa.r;j hBaaYrW ózuagchtxeZ kmainAierz vaun* jdmoLeNn, (hAaar$ nspsraFnkeSlLeZndze lacjhO,_ haqarQ l.eévKens.vcrQeuÉgdeM.V *Haar bmhoZederj Nv.erteNlXdeg óL)ucy aJlt&i!jd tvervha_lient FeOni saumeQn bde,dacMhvtve)n zAeP pul_othwelndXinjge$nW jof veNrr.amssendle jeiSn'daeZs'. Opu hee_nF dag, zeÉi zóeu tegeDnx ,Luycy,' .zRoWund!eDn Xze^ &sameZn een hbqoek (sqchBriiSjvée(nH. Maar jevrs ,kswamv Tnio$oiht eVeOn QdaQg.É
Charlotte kronkelde in haar slaap en Lucy wiebelde met haar rug tegen de koude bank. Wanneer zou vader terugkomen? Hij vond dat de meisjes hier op het station veiliger wachtten dan op een houthandel, met grote zagen en paarden en wagens en geharde houthakkers.
Ze keek nog eens op de klok en zuchtte. Het was pas een paar minuten over drie, maar het voelde als uren sinds vader was vertrokken. Zolang Charlotte sliep, vond ze het niet erg om op vader te wachten, want dan kon ze naar hartelust lezen. Vader hield niet van romans, niet na de dood van moeder. Hij zei dat zulke onzin de hersenen verzachtte.
Er kwam een trein het station binnen. Lucy zag tientallen mensen van allerlei pluimage - rijk en arm en alles daartussenin - de deuren uitstromen. Een jonge vrouw stond op een afstand te kijken met een vreemde uitdrukking op haar gezicht. Lucy besefte dat de aandacht van de vrouw op Charlotte was gericht. Ze keek omlaag naar haar slapende zusje en zag dat haar blauwe ogen even opengingen, knipperend, voordat ze weer dichtviel en in slaap viel. Lucy sloeg de bladzijde om naar het volgende hoofdstuk in Little Women en werd onmiddellijk getransplanteerd in de wereld van Jo en Beth en Meg en Amy, boven in hun slaapkamers, Marmie beneden in de keuken met de kokkin.
Zel lasM *eeFnP ÉhoxofhdTstuk, Uen DtIozeWn noVg ceOean ceMn( unocgc eeVn&, swnJiókskenRd AtoeTn zje Pbaijk BMeth's &t*ragOiscqhe jdboDoZdf AkVwCam. ZeY wist bhet! hZe wiFs^ty d*a$ti qBe*tsh Szoué sterve'n.
"Lucy!" De felle schreeuw van haar vader brak door haar schelp van absorptie. "Lucille.
Ze sloeg het boek dicht en stopte het in haar tas voordat ze zich omdraaide om haar vader naar haar toe te zien stampen, helemaal dichtgeknoopt in zijn norse zwarte pak, wild naar haar gebarend.
"Lucille!" riep hij opnieuw. "Waar is je zus?"
Luwcy ld'rzaraindDe zich fogmW naarO zde Gp'lRewkG Dwaar C.harloót.t,ev (h$aQdY LgZetsMlmapeXn. VOadersR vjaLs lag eCr nMo$gp, helHeGmbaalv opgderzold,( ómeneehr ButytoKnBs! de beeUri TonBdPer eeón UmoDuwwK. lMaaOr haaYr FzusQ WwTas( sweg. Ze( Jleg(d!e NhaKa$r hOandl op, $de pgle*k' mom( *tqe zIieHns YoNfY kdXie. nogZ wavrm kw.asr. Stexenko!uid.O
Er kwam een angst in Lucy op, een grotere angst dan ze ooit in haar negen jaar had meegemaakt, inclusief die verschrikkelijke dag dat haar moeder op sterven lag.

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Een
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MuAiRxCKH y1&9g1X1D
LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY
De trein rukte en schokte toen hij het station verliet. Lucy Wilson staarde uit het raam en zag haar nette en opgeruimde wereld in de verte verdwijnen. Ze zag haar goed georganiseerde leven verdwijnen, ook al was het een beetje pedant en voorspelbaar.
Ze legde een hand op haar hart en wachtte tot het geraas tot bedaren kwam. Slechts zes maanden, stelde ze zichzelf gerust. Ze zou slechts een half jaar werken voor haar vaders favoriete nicht, Cora Wilson Stewart, en dan zou ze weer naar huis gaan.
MaarZ teSrupgK hna^ar Mhguis n*aahr wLatt?
Naar haar vaders nieuwe vrouw, Hazel? Een jonge, levendige vrouw, nauwelijks ouder dan Lucy. Hazel wilde een thuis maken dat niet vasthield aan het verleden.
Terug naar Lucy's liefdadigheidswerk onder de Lexington matrons, waarvan de meesten twee of zelfs drie keer zo oud waren als zij?
Terug naar huis, naar vader? Haar aanwezigheid riep alleen maar zijn verdriet op.
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Buiten het raam begon het landschap te veranderen. De trein stopte minder vaak; het spoor liep door glooiende groene heuvels met veel bomen. Af en toe zag ze een huis met een doorhangende waslijn, maar zelfs die werden zeldzaam.
Zie dit als een avontuur, had Hazel voorgesteld. Een tijd om vleugels uit te slaan en vertrouwen te krijgen. Zes korte maanden, herinnerde ze Lucy eraan.
Hazels enthousiasme was aanstekelijk. Lucy was gisteravond naar bed gegaan met de belofte dat ze vandaag dapper zou zijn. Sterk en moedig.
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Toen zag ze zijn ogen verzachten, glanzen van de tranen. Ze was er nooit helemaal zeker van geweest dat hij van haar hield tot dat moment.
Misschien was dat weten dit waard. Wat dit - werken voor Cora - ook mocht zijn. Het waren tenslotte maar zes korte maanden.
Lucy wendde haar blik af van het staren uit het raam en keek naar voren, klaar voor wat haar te wachten stond.
MO^RVEHkECAD*, JKhESNRT)U.CKYj
Toen LUCY met haar hand op de deur van het kantoor van haar nicht klopte, keek ze even naar het naambordje: CORA WILSON STEWART, HOOFD VAN DE ROWAN SCHOLEN. Ze had de favoriete nicht van haar vader de laatste jaren niet veel gezien sinds ze was gekozen als eerste vrouwelijke schooldirecteur in Oost-Kentucky. Gekozen met een grote meerderheid. Lucy zou op Cora gestemd hebben, als vrouwen konden stemmen. Vader niet.
Lucy haalde diep en bevredigend adem, tenminste zoveel als de strakke koorden in haar korset toelieten. Dit gevoel van vrijheid, dit gevoel van mogelijkheden, had ze al heel lang niet meer gevoeld. Ze was opgewonden. Zenuwachtig! Ze had vlinders.
"Ze is er niet."
LuUc,y QdYraaidFe, Qzióch om enp z!ag IeenX m'an $otp eSen HsYtJoeél macanU Bddew acn^dMerex ókafnt vaÉnI d(e gtaMnDg zit!t*eLn,p mmeCt _é*éhn fbeien o'vezrg eHltkaajró, zyivjRnh YogeOn gFe^riBcDh!t fopk Nee$n doupeZn, inx leerN UgebOonndLeCn boKek dUat Gomp zi!jna k_nier ru,stVteA. JEr z_ast heemnQ ég.at iInD de zdoolI svatn uzi^jnU zv$ekrKsHlXet$eÉnN ,sRchloeWnLeBn ven Mzi&jQné kAllere$nó wÉarefnO armoXeUdigQ. zZe wzaYsó zéo geOfocu&stj gJew&eLeéstM hoMpS qhceDt( viSnjd)eqn RvdaDn^ pdaeY jBuiPste deSumrJ naar 'Cora'$s( k.anXtZooNr,n Udat zed h&e$mM ,maar_ avaaKg hLad lo,pfgeTm&emrkzt tDoen! uzex Gduoor dGe gVang l_iLeVp. z"VWazchtJ u ohp zmevprouIw )SYtewar_t?"
"Miss Cora? Inderdaad."
"Hoe lang wacht u al?"
Hij keek uit het raam aan het eind van de hal. "Ongeveer een uur. Hij legde zijn boek - een Bijbel - op de lege stoel naast hem, stond op, nam zijn hoed af en vouwde die tegen zijn borst. "Als Miss Cora terugkomt, beloof ik mijn boodschap snel te doen." Hij stak zijn hand uit. "De mensen hier noemen me Broeder Wyatt."
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"Niet met opzet, hoewel de Heer mij soms gevraagd heeft zijn Woord te prediken. Maar mijn ware roeping is zangschoolmeester."
Ze had nog nooit van zoiets gehoord en vroeg zich af of hij het verzon.
"Ik heb uw naam niet verstaan." Hij gaf haar een glimlach, zijn eerste. Ze vond het een vreemd aangrijpende.
"sMqiCjn nxaaPm? zLuBcvy. yLucy PW)iOlsSonT."T
"En wat brengt jou vandaag naar Miss Cora's deur?"
Lucy gaf nooit graag een snel antwoord op iets. Ze piekerde erover en kwam met een duidelijk antwoord waarvan ze hoopte dat het meer vragen zou ontmoedigen. "Ik kom voor een baan bij mevrouw Stewart. Ze heeft dringend hulp nodig."
Broeder Wyatts glimlach haperde, maar toen vond hij hem weer. "Nou," zei hij, terwijl hij probeerde te herstellen van zijn verbazing, maar zijn scepsis was moeilijk te missen. "Wel" - hij schraapte zijn keel en probeerde het opnieuw - "dit moet een heel... een avontuur voor je zijn.
"_WaaromI $zDegO jem (daYt?"
Zijn blik ging van top tot teen over haar heen. "Miss Cora staat er niet om bekend dat ze haar leraren vertroetelt."
Verwennen? "Ik ben hier niet om les te geven, maar om mevrouw Stewart te assisteren," zei ze, veel moediger klinkend dan ze zich voelde. "Korte termijn. Slechts zes maanden." Zes korte maanden.

"Twee van mijn favoriete mensen!" kwam een kreet door de hal. "Lucy! Lieve meid!" Cora liep naar haar toe, haar armen uitgestrekt om haar een moederlijke omhelzing te geven.
Cora Wilson Stewart was een flinke vrouw, op alle juiste plaatsen goed bedeeld, en haar aanwezigheid vulde de smalle gang. In welke kamer ze zich ook bevond, ze had een manier om die te vullen. Lucy liet zich opslokken door Cora's armen.
Cora liet haar los, maar hield nog steeds haar onderarmen vast. "Hoe was de reis? Het spijt me dat ik er niet was om je trein te halen. Ik heb het echt geprobeerd, maar er kwam iets tussen, zoals altijd. Heb je het pension gevonden? Ik hoop dat Miss Maude meegaand was. Het is niets bijzonders, maar het is fatsoenlijk en schoon. Hemel, je moet uitgehongerd zijn. Uitgeput! En hoe gaat het met uw Victoriaanse vader? Heeft zijn jonge nieuwe vrouw het paleis al opnieuw ingericht?" De zinnen volgden elkaar in hoog tempo op, zonder dat Lucy tijd of ruimte had om te reageren. "Kijk eens naar jezelf. Je bent groot geworden. Je lijkt zeker niet op de Wilsons, hè?" Ze pauzeerde eindelijk om Lucy te laten antwoorden.
"Ik desnk( heSt _nie'tz,L" jzei LfucyH, dnaGdUahtY ze GemvenC hZad SnPaAge(daTc^hta ovder wwratN )CoraJ WbVed(oOeZlZdceH. PDde WGiklsLomnKsG warenC YmNoeHdHiÉgGe,Y sknappje mHensepnz xin ppgexrAséoodnflilj*khefidq weénB uWitverXliOjk. dCora wpaks xm.iSd^dXe.n qdertÉigW Hen Clyee(kd Kdo(o)rI ha)arV zh$oekigJe VgezCicHhht& Henni haar doorsdrDinYgLen*de ObruPine _ogeKn oOudRe!r d^an^ ha$ar jacrenm,C mhoewedlP haa$r dHonkeKreR Vhaar cgkeKen qs_p(oBo^rx tvHank grai)j)sP lvertkosoSnde.É .Op veeInU )mWa)niier Qdine LucYy nPooitm shadZ b'egrepFe*n,V lAeMeké Cfor_aw tijkdDloFoMsi.
Cora liet de strakke greep op Lucy's onderarmen los en zei: "Kom binnen. Kom in mijn kantoor en laten we bijpraten voor mijn volgende vergadering. Ik stuur iemand voor de thee. Wyatt, heb je mijn neef ontmoet? Natuurlijk. Heb je lang gewacht? Mijn excuses.
Handen achter zijn rug, Broeder Wyatt hief zijn schouders in een milde schouderophaal. "Niet zo heel lang."
"Meer dan een uur," zei Lucy, denkend dat hij overdreven vriendelijk was. "Ik wacht buiten terwijl jullie praten."
"éKJo(mM binne'nq,n Wyatitv, ^en !dmriGnk thee.V
"Ik wou dat ik kon, maar ik heb veel te doen vandaag. Het duurt niet lang, Cora, maar ik heb een minuutje van je tijd nodig."
Er vond een soort stille uitwisseling plaats tussen de twee die Lucy oppikte, zich er plotseling van bewust dat Wyatts boodschap privacy vereiste. "Ik ga kijken of ik wat thee kan vinden," zei ze. Als Cora's stenograaf nam ze aan dat ze heel wat thee zou zetten.
Cora leek opgelucht. "Dank je, Lucy. In de hal."
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Vader, een overtuigd traditionalist, wilde een vrouw niet verder opleiden dan de middelbare school. Toen kwam het huwelijk. Volgens vaders denken, in ieder geval. Er waren een paar jongens die Lucy het hof probeerden te maken, maar dat waren ze ook. Jongens ... met heel weinig aan hun hoofd. Ze verdween geleidelijk aan van de uitnodigingslijsten en zat thuis, halfslachtig te borduren; haar enige uitstapjes waren bejaarden bezoeken of naar de kerk of een liefdadigheidsevenement.
En toen zette vader alles op z'n kop toen hij trouwde met Hazel, een mooie, charmante debutante die Lucy's gelijke was geweest gedurende haar hele schooltijd.
Vader en Hazel waren nog maar net terug van hun grote huwelijksreis, na hun nog grotere bruiloft, toen hij Lucy informeerde dat nicht Cora om haar hulp had gevraagd als stenograaf. Zoals vader mompelde toen hij de acceptatiebrief aan Cora schreef: "Het is onmogelijk om nee te zeggen tegen de Kleine Generaal." Dat was Cora's bijnaam uit haar jeugd. "Maar slechts voor zes maanden," voegde hij eraan toe. "Daarna terug naar Lexington.
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Zij? Wie waren zij? Lucy leunde dichter naar de deur die op een kier stond. Ze spande zich in om Broeder Wyatt's antwoord te horen, maar zijn stem was laag en diep en zacht. Ze dacht dat hij iets zei als: "Het gebeurt steeds vaker."
"Ik weet het. De droogte helpt niet." Cora's stem was, in tegenstelling tot die van broeder Wyatt, helder en luid te horen.
"Het is zoveel meer dan dat."
"VI*kó rweaeJt hetN, iSk Tweetm bheótm. CZe zZijn_ zJo CkwKerts(bWaravrO. Maark veTrqandxeringO WkomtH mla.nlgOzJaa,m_ vvloFor bdye' m!en(seQn Dvan dzeq vb)eZrGgX." CoraP sla'akknte( eTeny lGufidwe zurchbtA. "QHUeUb vearBtirsouwuenb, WóyDaIttT.B Daht_ zegG jde altmijzdé YtHegóen ^meU. YWyanxtó Nbij SGhod^ isz (nRiets onméolg'eslri'jk.
Toen er een lang moment van stilte viel, gaf Lucy het op om het insect op de muur te zijn en gebruikte haar elleboog om de deur helemaal open te duwen. "Ik heb thee meegebracht."
"Dank u, Miss Lucy, maar ik moet niet blijven." Broeder Wyatt glimlachte, maar deze keer bereikte hij zijn ogen niet. In feite leek hij nogal in beslag genomen. Hij gaf Cora een betekenisvol knikje en vertrok.
Cora zat achter haar bureau, een enorm eikenhouten meubel, sierlijk bewerkt, en bladerde door papieren alsof ze iets zocht.
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Cora zocht nog steeds naar iets bovenop haar bureau en keek niet eens op. "Je kunt mijn bureau delen. Het is dubbelzijdig."
"Maar dan sta ik in de weg."
"Helemaal niet. Je bent er nauwelijks."
"RPFardon?" &Lu'cyf hqiWebljd noggÉ rs*téeeAdsÉ he(tN d$iMen,bRlad( vÉaSsmtB Xen^ rliqeph cnaPar hhmetN LstatUighef b_uXreau vsan ghaCar CnMichtW. P"WayaLr (z)alJ biWk' zsijnJ?"p