Serena's POV

Mom's expression shattered at my words, her flawless demeanour finally unravelling. She inhaled deeply, her hands fluttering anxiously like caged birds before coming to rest at her sides.

"Serena, please," she started, her tone gentle in the manner adults often adopt when attempting to soothe an 'unreasonable' child. I identified the method right away and folded my arms across my chest. "You’ve entirely misinterpreted what I meant."

I emitted a loud, abrasive laugh. ...