Empire for Revenge

previous night's events lingered heavily on William's shoulders. His body ached from the beating, and though the physical pain was tolerable, the emotional toll gnawed at

hat had happened to William the night before. Carol, his stepmother, leaned casually against the desk, sipping her morning coff

eg glanced up, his expression a

his voice gruff and impati

im what had happened at the party, but deep down, he already

ght words. "Something happened at the party

own on the desk with a clatter. "Honestly, William, if you're going to complain about Ethan again

Whatever happened, you probably deserved it. Y

his voice faltered as he saw the cold indifferenc

over your head, food to eat, and a place to stay. You should be grateful. Stop trying t

felt about him, but hearing it said so bluntly still stung. His chest tightened with ang

an before. He walked aimlessly through the halls, his mind a whirlwind of frustration,

orning light, and she gave him a soft smile, her eyes wide with concern-at least, that's what they appeared to be. To W

e approached. "I've been lo

, though it was clear from his posture that he wasn't okay.

is arm. "You shouldn't let them treat y

script she'd memorized long ago. Still, William clung to them. In a world w

itted, his voice low. "No matter what I do, it's never

ft. "I see you, Will. I see who you

t. But as Kate wrapped her arms around him in a comforting hug, William couldn't shake the nagging feeling that something was off. It was a