"What?" Daphne's eyes widened, surprise flickering across her face.
Vyan reached over, gently rolling up her sleeve to reveal the deep purple bruise marring her forearm. "This didn't come from an accident, Daphne."
She pulled her arm back, smoothing her sleeve down, her gaze darting away. "I... I hurt myself in the bathroom," she murmured, but her voice wavered, giving her away.
Vyan shook his head, his tone both soft and firm. "Daphne, please. I know abuse when I see it. This isn't just some accident. It looks like someone crushed your hand in a door."
Her shoulders slumped, and for a moment, silence hung between them. Then she whispered, a brittle smile tugging at her lips, "Not every man grows up with a mother who teaches him to be a gentleman, like yours did."
Vyan felt a painful twist in his chest. "You don't have to stay with him, Daphne. You are the rightful heir to the Ryen name, not him. The power is yours."
