of her adoptive parents, the Davis family. A flashback, sharp and unwanted, played in her mind. She was ten years old, standing

cooed, hugging Emily tightly. "Y

h? More scribbling? You should try to be more like your sister. Focus on useful things." She didn't even glance at the drawing before turning back to Emily

y had fallen off the pier and was struggling in the water. Without a second thought, Sarah dove in. The water was cold, and the current was strong, but she reached him. As she pushed him towards

oor swimmer, she had waded into the deep water, perhaps thinking it looked easy, perhaps just wanting all eyes back on her. When they found her, it was too late. She had drowned. David, who was then Emily's ad

ere supposed to be watching her! You were just showing off, and now she's gone!" David stood besi

e Davis house. She looked at Sarah with her piercing eyes and declared the solution. "A life for a life," she said, her voice leaving no room for argument. "It is fate. To appease the spirits and rep

edroom and opened the door to a small, empty room. He pointed to the bare floor. "This is your room," he said, his voice devoid of any emotion. Then, he shoved her, not violently, but with a firm, deliberate