Elizabeth’s POV

The next morning came with unease.

The air felt heavy, as if the world itself was holding its breath. I tried to focus on my books, but my mind refused to settle. Every page I turned only brought back the memory of my mother’s face the night she came to my lodge — the hate in her eyes, the sting on my cheek, her cruel words.

I thought she was done.

I prayed she was done.

But deep down, I knew May never stopped when she was angry. She always found new ways to hurt me — ...