The Father’s Reckoning
The very next day, Arthur brought Clara to her father. Richard’s eyes widened as he saw his daughter’s scars revealed. He opened his mouth, but Arthur spoke first, his voice firm but steady.
“You locked away your daughter because of this. You tried to hide her like a secret. But I will not let you bury her light. She is stronger than both of us. She is not something to be ashamed of—she is a miracle.”
Richard lowered his head. For the first time, his voice carried regret. “I only wanted to protect her… but I see now I was wrong. I see now she has already found her protector.”
