a Mcn

ragrance always reminded her of our family garden, a place of peace before the war. Entering the facility required Dorian's explicit permission, a stark reminder of his control, e

t the window. Her face was gaunt, her eyes dista

her," I said, my voi

I bit back the wave of despair that threatened to engulf me. I knelt beside her chai

box gently. "I picked them from the old

of the sun, the bees buzzing among

eaded, my voice hoarse. "Just a

t heavy, a cold promise. I needed some small comfort from

abbed my hair, her grip surprisingly strong, pulling my head down. My face plunged into the scatter

voice raw. "Get out, you wi

ck. Her nails, surprisingly sharp, raked

pitch. "You killed him! You killed him with your stubborn fight against Dorian!

now a choking haze. I tried to speak, to reason, but her hands were everywhere, pushing, pulling, scratchin

hrieked again, her voice

in, her eyes wi

uld have known your place! He promised to protect her, not you!" she his

ttled over me. I remembered her gentle hands, petting my hair when I was a child. I remembered her stories, her laughter, her quiet strength. Now, only hatred radiated from her

my voice raspy,

ered, my eyes vacant.

by madness, seemed to clear for a split second, a flicker of something resembling fear. Then, the

oom. I splashed cold water on my face, washing away the blood, the tears, the sticky residue of the crushed flowers. I looked at my reflection. A stranger stared back