The Devil's Handmaiden

s of t

ed in blood. Panic consumed me, my mind barely able to process what was happening. Te

n't know what's wrong with Mom. She's not tal

ollowed close behind, my heart hammering in my chest. When we reached her, he knelt do

ed, his voice fr

y father,my once invincible father,sob uncontrollably. I could har

-

calling my name from downstairs. I sighed in frustration. "

mpson, was not one to be pushed around. I whispered those words

es, my space was a haven of art supplies and half-finished projects. My sketchbook lay open on my desk, and posters of my favorite boy bands and legendary ar

oom. I took a quick shower, got dressed, and prepared for another day of school. But even as I

cross my nose, were often praised as an "epitome of beauty," but I had always seen it as a curse. It felt like my looks were a mask, hiding the brokenness in

r-present shadow. I was only 14 when she died, leaving a void nothing could fill. My father,

. The debt piled up, and with it came arguments and broken promises. Victoria didn't care as long as she and her daughters

other's death wouldn't leave me. Sometimes I woke up in a panic, unable to breathe. Art was

at escape f

ed me back from my thoughts.

miliar baritone voice bo

I replied, hurried

ur stepmother won't let me in, and Vanessa's been star

g for Alex, but it just made things weird. I grabbed a piece of pancak

ing you waiting," I

wkwardness behind. "It's our last year of high school

eed more than this boring life. I want drama,something exciting. M

ls. There's no mysterious billionaire coming for you," he said, teasingl

x was the one person I could trust, and I didn't want to ruin our fr

l year,prom, college, and everything else looming ahead. I felt a spark of excitement mixe

a cold shiver ran down my spine. Somethin

s,it was going to