a P

nishment disguised as a chore. The physical labor was grueling, my leg a con

ime when my mother's hands were gentle, when my father's smile st

ntercepted me at the edge of the woods. A sleek b

berries, my favorite from a childhood that felt like someo

is," he said, hold

crimson silk. The kind of dress I once dreamed

ilver-tipped bullet meant for him. He never knew it was me. Serafina had cl

he box back at him. The confusion on

s voice softer than I'd heard it in year

ty propelled me. I wanted to see h

ne buzzed. He glanced at the scree

as her. Serafi

o her. The brief warmth in his eyes vanishe

und. Now," he bar

e didn't explain. He w

ulder of the road. Dante gestured sharply towar

di

or slammed s

e road as the town car sped back t