Malison's vision blurred as tears streamed down her face. She stumbled through the garden, her heart heavy with the weight of William's deceitful words. Suddenly, she collided with a figure, and her eyes widened in horror.
The woman standing before her was none other than Lady Harcourt, the owner of the stolen necklace. Malison's face burned with shame as she recalled the night she had snuck into Lady Harcourt's bedroom.
"Why are you here?" Malison stammered, her voice barely audible.
Lady Harcourt's expression softened, and her eyes filled with compassion. "I knew it was you who stole my necklace. But I forgave you that night. You seemed... lost, and desperate. I wanted to help you."
Malison's guilt overwhelmed her. She had expected anger and resentment, not kindness.
Just then, a voice called from behind. "Malison, darling."
William's smile faltered for an instant as he took in Malison's tears and Lady Harcourt's presence.
"William, what's going on?" Lady Harcourt asked, her brow furrowed.
"Nothing, my dear. Just a minor misunderstanding," William replied, his charm and charisma intact.
That evening, William visited Malison's room, his eyes burning with intensity.
"Malison, my dear, I'm worried about you. You seem troubled," William said, his voice laced with concern.
Malison hesitated, unsure if she should reveal what she had overheard.
William's eyes locked onto hers. "You're my only friend, Malison. I'll always protect you. But I need your help."
Malison's doubts began to fade as William's words wrapped around her like a comforting blanket.
"There's someone who threatens my reputation," William continued. "If you want to remain my friend, you must... eliminate him."
Malison's horror was palpable. "What do you mean?" she whispered.
"Add poison to Lord Thomas's food at the next party," William instructed, his voice cold and calculating.
Malison's voice trembled. "I... I don't know if I can."
William's expression turned cold. "If you don't, our friendship ends. You'll be alone again."
The weight of William's words crushed Malison. She agreed, her heart heavy with reluctance.
The night of the party arrived, and Malison's hands shook as she poured the poison into Lord Thomas's glass. She felt like a puppet on strings, controlled by William's masterful hands.
As the evening wore on, Lord Thomas collapsed, and chaos erupted. Guests screamed, and servants rushed to aid the dying man.
Suspicion fell on William, but he deftly shifted the blame.
"Malison, my dear, it seems you've been playing me all along," William declared, his eyes filled with mock surprise.
The guests gasped, and Malison's eyes widened.
"No, William, it was you!" Malison protested, but her voice was drowned out.
William's performance convinced the crowd. Accusing fingers pointed at Malison, and the guards dragged her away.
As Malison was pulled from the room, she caught Lady Harcourt's gaze. The woman's eyes filled with sorrow and regret.