Chapter 10 

Clara followed the clue to an old monastery.

A man waited inside.

Gray hair.

Military coat.

A silver ring bearing the Cross family crest.

“Who are you?”

He smiled.

“Julian’s uncle.”

Clara froze.

“Julian doesn’t have an uncle.”

“That’s what he was told.”

The man revealed the truth.

Julian’s father had two sons.

The first was Julian.

The second disappeared as a child.

His name was Elias Cross.

Elias had joined the military.

Then discovered Vale’s conspiracy.

He had been presumed dead.

But he had survived.

And he had been working undercover.

“Where is Julian?”

Elias looked at Clara.

“Alive.”

She nearly cried.

“Where?”

“Behind enemy lines.”

“Why?”

“Because he discovered who started the war.”

“Vale?”

Elias shook his head.

“Vale is only a servant.”

Clara felt cold.

“Then who is behind it?”

Elias handed her a photograph.

It showed a group of military officials.

At the center was a man Clara recognized.

Her father’s former lawyer.

Clara stared.

“He wasn’t working for Vale.”

“No.”

Elias’s expression darkened.

“He was using Vale.”

“Why?”

“Because he wants the war to destroy both governments.”

“And Julian?”

“Julian found the evidence.”

“Then we have to save him.”

Elias nodded.

“There is one problem.”

“What?”

“He knows you are coming.”

Clara frowned.

“How?”

Elias looked at her.

“Because he captured your mother.”