98

98

Bethany's POV

The knock at the door startled me.

I was curled up on the armchair by the window, lost in thought, my mind tangled in the never-ending nightmare that had become my life. Mason had been particularly cruel lately—his usual taunts growing sharper, his punishments more calculated. He was trying to break me, to strip away whatever defiance I had left.

But I refused to shatter.

At least, not in front of him.

Another knock. Louder this time.

No one ever knocked. Mason certainly didn't. He either barged in uninvited or sent his lackeys to summon me like some caged pet. A prickle of unease ran down my spine, but I forced myself to stand.

I cracked the door open cautiously.

And there she was.

Lily.

My best friend. My sister in every way but blood.