His touch made my stomach twist. Sleep had become a new kind of nightmare for me — a place where I relived every moment of pain and cruelty. Closing my eyes now felt like surrendering to death itself.

Amara reappeared, carrying another bowl of banana custard. “Let her eat first,” she said kindly. “She’ll sleep after she’s done. It’s my special recipe!”

Before Xavier could intervene, I snatched the bowl from her hands eagerly. My hands shook slightly as I held it. I didn’t ...