The Price of Defiance

Vivian's slap struck with the force of years of resentment, shattering Rowan's fragile health in an instant.

He crumpled to the ground, his body trembling uncontrollably, as though the very breath of death hovered around him.

In that moment, Rowan couldn't help but think of all the countless bowls of medicine he'd swallowed over the years. All of it, completely in vain.

Vivian stood over him, her