Tabitha's POV

"You've got a death wish, don't you?" Reed mutters as he flips the gun in his hand before cocking it and leveling the barrel right at me.

"Leaving Kaelara five years ago must have toughen you up, stepsis," Jace snips. "Fine. Let's see if that bravado still holds when the bullets fly."

My heart pounds like a war drum inside my chest. It's so loud I'm half convinced they can hear it too. Every inch of my body screams to tremble but I lock my muscles in place. I stare straight ahead. I force a calm expression onto my face and pray it doesn't crack.

Shit.

This is insane. No, this is suicide. But if I back down now, I lose more than a challenge. I lose every inch of ground I've fought to claim since stepping foot back in this house... this island.

The brothers spread out across the range, each taking a position with one target in mind. They have one shot each to hit the four apples-one balanced on my head, two resting on my shoulders, and one lying in the center of my open palm.

I've never been the religious type, but I think this is the perfect time to pray. Holy shit.

Jace lifts his gun first. He gives me a lopsided grin like this is all some joke to him. His finger hovers over the trigger, then he pulls it. The shot rings out so sharply my shoulders twitch from the sound. The apple on my right shoulder bursts into pulp, spraying juice and sticky fragments across my cheek. The bullet whistles past just inches from my head but I force myself not to flinch, not even blink, even as my pulse drums so loud I can barely hear anything else.

Oh crap. Oh crap. Oh crap!

I have barely recovered from that when Reed moves next. He shifts slightly to adjust his stance, then fires. The apple on my left shoulder splits in two. I clench my jaw as seeds scatter like confetti around my feet. He smirks like he just won a game.

You're enjoying this, asshole?

My eyes drift to the remaining brothers who are yet to take their shot. Luca lifts his weapon and doesn't waste anymore time before shooting the damn thing. The bullet rips straight through the apple perched on my head. For one horrifying moment I swear I feel my hair lift from the wind of the shot. I have to swallow a gasp and pretend that I did not almost pee in my pants.

My weary eyes drift to the last remaining brother. Evren. He stares at me blankly while pointing the gun at the remaining apple that I'm holding. I have no idea what he's thinking and honestly, I don't think I'll ever figure out what kind of thoughts run in this man's head.

Not that I have to worry about that because I am too busy tracking his movement as he tugs on the trigger, shooting the bullet clean through the center of the apple in my palm. The apple in my palm jerks but it stays there, perfectly upright within my ironclad grip. I glance at it and see a single bullet hole sitting cleanly through the center. Damn.

It's over.

The breath rushes into my lungs like I've been drowning this whole time. I don't know how I'm still standing. Evren dismantles his gun, lowers it, then tosses it aside without a word. He walks away as if none of this happened. I let out a shaky exhale as I watch him walk inside the mansion, exactly right where I want them to be. My knees feel weak but I hold myself up.

I did it. And I survived it!

Luca watches me with narrowed eyes. Like he's trying to place a puzzle piece that doesn't quite fit while unloading his gun.

"It's almost hard to believe that you're the same girl we knew five years ago," he says.

I meet his gaze. "Then, I guess you never really knew me."

He smirks.

"I wouldn't mind getting to know you again. And by the looks of it, we've got plenty of time to do that, my dear stepsister." He winks at me before turning around and following Evren inside the mansion.

Jace whistles and shakes his head. "Weren't you scared?"

I give him a shrug. "You're the navy commander's sons. I was rooting that you'd have at least the decent skills to hit your target. Good thing you didn't disappoint."

"You're bold. Reckless. Maybe you fit in more than I'd like to admit." He smirks.

Reed scoffs. "I doubt that. It takes more than guns and bullets to last here, stepsister. I wonder how long you'll last before you go running again like you used to."

He slithers toward me and snatches the apple from my palm, the one with the bullet hole. Then, he bites into it and tosses the rest aside like it's nothing. His eyes flick over me with that same old smugness, the one that used to shrink me down to nothing in high school. He leans in just close enough for me to feel the heat of his breath. "Let's see how long that spine of yours holds up, Tabby."

Then he turns around and heads back to the mansion.

I watch his back as he leaves. I don't say anything. I don't need to. I already won.

To Alpha Emery and my mother's shock, the brothers actually show up for lunch. Emery raises a brow but says nothing. Mom tries not to look too surprised but she throws me an appreciative look as she squeezes my hand under the table. She looks happy with their presence and it's enough for me. I did what I had to do.

The Aldair brothers take their seats and their friends too.

"Well," Emery says while scanning each of his sons as they take their seats, "either the world's ending... or my sons decided to join a family lunch willingly."

Jace shrugs. "Let's just say your fiancée's daughter has a... persuasive way with words."

My cheeks heat up in embarrassment when I catch Alpha Emery throwing me a curious look. I try to focus on my meal and pretend that I don't notice.

Fortunately, the topic quickly shifts when my mom pops some updates regarding the upcoming wedding.

"We've finalized the details for the engagement celebration," Mom says brightly.

"It'll be held here at the estate two days from now," Alpha Emery adds.

"Two days?" Jace raises a brow. "That's a bit sudden, don't you think?"

"I've had it planned for weeks," Emery says firmly. "There's no reason to delay."

"I had a dress specially made for you, Tabby," Mom says excitedly.

"Thanks, Mom. I'm sure it's beautiful," I say quietly.

"We're expecting important guests for the celebration. Leaders from the Stormblood and Deathclaw packs will be there, along with a few council members." He pauses and turns to Jace. "And I heard Yennifer will be attending too. Isn't that good news? You should catch up with her."

I stiffen at the familiar name. Yennifer? Yennifer Wix. Of course, she'll be there.

My blood runs cold. The sound of her name alone is enough to pull old ghosts from the shadows. Yennifer Wix was basically the queen of Silver Hills High and one of the worst bullies I had the misfortune of crossing paths with-aside from the Aldair brothers. Unlike Reed, Jace, Luca, and Evren who mainly mess with me when they're bored, Yennifer made bullying look like a sport. She and her minions would hunt me down in the corridors of the school and throw mean pranks at me. They once poured juice inside my locker. Another time, they stuck gum on my seat so I'd walk around all day with it stuck to my skirt. I couldn't walk the halls without hearing their laughs and snide comments.

No one dared to stop her and devious streak because she's the Crystal Ridge packs' beta's niece and everyone knows that she's also close with the Aldair brothers who are practically royalties in the island and especially at the Silver Hills High.

I glance at Jace. He's gripping his fork a little too hard.

If I remember it right, Yennifer is one of Jace's many girlfriends which made her practically untouchable during high school.

"Yennifer and I are done. Why should I care if she's there?" Jace says and stabs his roasted chicken.

They broke up?

Emery shakes his head, looking disappointed. "That's exactly your problem. You treat relationships like toys. You chase the next thing that amuses you, then throw it away once you're bored. Yennifer is strong. Well-connected. She would make a good wife."

Jace's jaw ticks. "So now you're arranging my love life too? Funny how you can play matchmaker for me but no one's allowed to question yours."

A heavy silence falls over the table. Emery sets his wine glass down slowly and looks at his son. My mom shifts on her seat. She looks uncomfortable but doesn't dare say a word. Hell, it would be suicide to go against Emery Aldair while he looks this pissed. Clearly, Jace has a death wish because he's glaring at his father right now and that seems to enrage Emery more.

"I am the Alpha of this house. Commanding officer of Kaelara's naval station. I lead this family and the pack that serves it. You are a son with a last name and nothing else. If you want to be more than that, then earn it," Emery growls and I swear I can feel his anger vibrating in the air.

Shit. Angry Alphas are something else. Especially an Alpha as strong as Emery Aldair. He's one scary man.

Jace doesn't say anything. He just clenches his jaw and stares at his plate like he's one second away from flipping it. Luca, Evren, and Reed also remain quiet but the look in their eyes is enough for me to know that they are not happy with the whole thing.

They're angry at their father but even that isn't enough to go against the most powerful Alpha in this whole island.

I glance at Emery Aldair. There's a frown on his forehead as he slices into his chicken. He may always smile at my mother, but he definitely is harsh towards his son. And for the first time, I'm confused if I should feel pity for the four brothers.

Tabitha's POV

Two days later, the day of the engagement party finally arrives and the whole Aldair estate is unrecognizable. The entire courtyard is transformed into a grand venue, with deep navy and silver draping the tented ceilings, which reflect the pack's signature colors. The place smells faintly of fresh pine, expensive cologne, and champagne. The estate screams of so much wealth and luxury that I momentarily forget I used to live in a one-bedroom apartment with my mother just a week ago.

"Is everything in order?" my Mom asks one of the maids while scanning the whole courtyard area that will host all the guests. It is so huge you can build another mansion there. "I need everything to be perfect."

My Mom is a meticulous woman, especially with things that involve parties and anything grand. She's got keen attention to detail-I'd say she has a talent. She was just born in the wrong tax bracket, so she wasn't able to put her talent into use. But since she's marrying Emery Aldair, she's finally finding herself in a position where her talent can shine. And honestly? She deserves it.

The estate has been buzzing with people since sunrise, and for once, the Aldair brothers haven't stirred up chaos. They've been surprisingly tolerable the past few days. Still a bunch of assholes, sure, but at least they've been showing up for lunch since that crazy target-shooting stunt. They keep their words, I'll give them that.

Out on the upper balcony, I spot Reed with Ian and Wilson. He's dressed in an all-black tux, two buttons undone at the collar, exposing a tattoo scrawled across his chest. A cigar rests between his fingers. He's half-listening to whatever Ian's saying, barely nodding. Then his eyes cut toward me.

For a second, he just stares. Then he takes a slow drag off his cigar before blowing the smoke in my direction.

I look away. Why am I even staring at him? I should pull my shit together.

I shift my attention to the courtyard that is now slowly being filled by guests in expensive suits and designer gowns. I see some familiar faces I haven't seen in years. And I'm not excited to meet them again.

"Tabitha, come here for a second," Mom calls softly from behind me. I turn to find her making her way over. She looks stunning in her cream-colored gown that hugs her figure modestly and falls in soft, elegant folds to the floor. When I was younger, people would tell me that I look like my mom and I wouldn't believe them. I always felt that she's too beautiful to be compared to me. And her age now doesn't even dull her beauty.

She reaches up and tucks a loose strand of hair behind my ear. "There," she says, taking a step back to look at me properly. "You look gorgeous."

"So do you. Really. That dress is perfect on you."

Her lips twitch, but the worry doesn't quite leave her eyes. She glances toward the entrance, where more guests are beginning to arrive in clusters, greeted by butlers in sharp uniforms. She keeps adjusting her bracelet, fingers tugging at the clasp for the third time, unable to keep still.

"You nervous?" I ask, though it's quite obvious. I just want to get her attention off the wave of approaching guests.

She exhales slowly, her smile faltering. "A little. There are a lot of people coming tonight. Not just from Crystal Ridge, but from the Stormblood and Deathclaw packs too. Emery says some of the council members will be here as well."

I glance around, then back at her. "You'll be fine. You're good at this."

She really is. While Dad and I are introvert to the core, my Mom is an extrovert through and through. She is good at mingling with people and entertaining guests. I know she'll do well tonight.

"Thanks, sweetheart," she offers me a more relaxed smile.

I give her a reassuring smile. I want her to face the guests confidently-although I can't say the same thing for myself. I feel the same nerves she does. Maybe more. Because I know who else is expected to arrive tonight. I know who I might run into.

Yennifer Wix.

The thought alone makes my stomach twist. Facing the Aldair brothers again was one thing, but meeting another one of my worst bullies is another.

Before I can spiral any further, Emery steps in from the side, his arm snaking easily around my mother's waist.

"It's time, honey." He leans in and presses a kiss to her cheek. "Guests are starting to arrive. We should go welcome them."

"Of course." Mom nods quickly.

She glances back at me and smooths down the side of my dress one last time, like she's memorizing me before walking away.

"You look beautiful," she whispers. "I'm so proud of you."

I manage a small smile. "You're the one in cream silk, Mom. You look like you belong on the cover of a magazine."

That earns a soft laugh from her, though there's still worry behind her eyes.

"I'll be right behind you," I tell her. "Go on."

Emery gives me a curt nod before steering her gently toward the main courtyard. I stand alone in the hallway for a while as I try to settle the nerves swarming in my stomach.

Okay, Tabitha, you can do it. Inhale. Exhale.

I remind myself that I have to be bolder-shameless even, now that I'm back. I cannot show any signs of weakness because otherwise, I'll be the same girl who escaped this island five years ago. I refused to be that cowardly girl again.

As I make my way toward the courtyard, I catch sight of the rest of the Aldair brothers. Evren stands near the entrance, adjusting the cuff of his deep charcoal suit. His black hair is slicked back, revealing the sharp lines of his face. He is sporting the usual indifferent expression he wears everywhere and with everyone. Meanwhile, Luca stands near a marble column with a glass of wine in his hand. The party is barely starting and yet he's already halfway through his glass. Well, werewolves do not get drunk that easily, anyway. He might as well be drinking water. His navy velvet jacket is perfectly tailored, every button in place. His hair is neatly styled, not a strand out of line. Even without a tie, he looks sharp, like he wouldn't be caught dead looking anything less than polished.

Then, there's Jace. He's the last to appear as he steps out from one of the side rooms. He runs a hand through his tousled hair. He scans the crowd of guests until his eyes land on me. I quickly avert my gaze.

I clear my throat and move toward one of the marble statues near the edge of the courtyard. From here, I'm mostly shielded from the crowd. I have no interest in mingling, no appetite for fake smiles or forced pleasantries. If I could melt into this column, I probably would.

Fortunately, the attention shifts to the front of the courtyard when Alpha Emery and my mom step up to the podium to officially commence the party.

"Thank you all for coming," Emery begins in his usual commanding voice that immediately catches the attention of everyone. "Tonight, I'm proud to introduce the woman who will stand beside me as my wife, Isla Huxley."

There's a round of applause. My mother smiles warmly at the crowd.

"This engagement is more than just a union between two people. It is a celebration we share with our pack and our allies. I am grateful to have you all here tonight to witness the beginning of this chapter," Emery continues.

More applause follows. But as I scan the crowd, I can tell some of the smiles don't quite reach their eyes. A few guests clap just enough to be polite. None of them would dare challenge Alpha Emery's decisions out loud, of course. Not here. not now.

I glance toward the edge of the crowd where my mother and Emery begin mingling with some of the high-ranking guests. I catch sight of them exchanging small talk with Alphas, Betas, and council members of the Crystal Ridge pack as well as from the other packs as well. Then, my eyes drift to Yennifer who is just a few meters away from them.

Oh shit.

She's standing near the champagne fountain, laughing with Isabel Carter-the Crystal Ridge Beta's daughter-and two other women I immediately recognize. Eris and Vina. Her loyal minions since high school. Just seeing their faces sends a chill up my spine. My fingers tremble before I can stop it.

Then, Yennifer turns her head towards me. My heart jumps to my throat in panic. I quickly snatch a wine glass from a passing waiter and bring it to my face, pretending to sip. Then I quickly walk toward the towering engagement cake like it's a damn fortress. I station myself behind it, half-covered by the giant multi-tiered monstrosity.

This is pathetic.

I told myself I'd be strong this time. I swore I wouldn't be the girl who hides anymore. But old fears don't die just because you've grown taller or learned to bite back. Especially not when that fear is a living and breathing evil incarnate named Yennifer Wix.

I exhale slowly, trying not to sweat through the satin of my dress. I'm fine. Everything's fine. I'll get through this party. I have to! For my mom...

"Boo!"

"Ah, Crap!" My heart slams against my chest as I jolt in place, nearly knocking over the base of the cake. I spin around, already flustered, and come face-to-face with a man who looks like he stepped out of a damn catalog. He bites his lip as if suppressing a laugh.

The man raises his hands slightly in a harmless gesture. "Sorry," he says, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Didn't mean to scare you. Though, hiding behind the cake? That one's on you."

My cheeks heat as I get a better look at him. He's tall, broad-shouldered, wearing a dark, well-fitted suit that doesn't scream for attention but clearly wasn't bought off the rack. His tie's loosened, just enough to look effortless instead of lazy. The kind of guy who knows how to carry himself.

"I wasn't hiding," I lie. "Just... taking a breather."

He looks amused. "Fair enough. It's a full house out there."

I nod once, trying not to fidget under his gaze. There's something curious in the way he studies me. He's got that quiet sense of authority around him that reminds me of Emery Aldair.

"I'm Arthur, by the way..." he says, finally extending a hand. "Arthur Beckett. From the Stormblood Pack."

Wait, Arthur Beckett?

Tabitha's POV

"You're Yoseff Beckett's son?" I gasp.

He sheepishly rubs his nape. "I guess you know my father."

"Everyone on this island knows your father!"

The Becketts own the majority of the fishing and shipping lines in Kaelara island which puts their family on equal footing in terms of wealth and influence with the Aldairs! Plus, Yoseff Beckett is the Alpha of Stormblood pack which makes this guy...

"You're the heir...the future Alpha of Stormblood pack?" My mouth blurts out the fact before I can stop it. Holy shit. This man is as much royalty as my asshole step brothers. That's why he's got the same powerful air around him-he's got the Alpha blood too!

"You sure know a lot about the packs around here," he notes. "Especially for someone who's..."

"Human?" I finish for him with a tilt of my head. "Well, yes. My father is human, and I got that from him. But my mom is a she-wolf which is the reason why I'm quite versed about all the pack stuff. I'm Tabitha Huxley."

Recognition flashes in his eyes. He snaps his finger in realization.

"You're Alpha Emery's stepdaughter!"

"Yup, that's me."

"That's awesome. Congratulations on your mother and Alpha Emery's engagement. This party is magnificent." Arthur says and raises his glass for a toast.

I chuckle and bump my glass lightly against his. "Thanks, my mom worked hard for it.."

Arthur offers a small smile.

"Have to say, you look a little familiar."

My brows lift slightly. "Really?"

"Yeah. Can't quite place it though. Have we met before?"

"I used to live here. My mom and I left the island five years ago. We only just came back recently." I shrug.

"Ah," Arthur nods. "Then that might be it. We probably crossed paths back then."

"Maybe," I say. "Though I doubt I would've forgotten you."

That earns a quiet chuckle from him. "A lot has changed on the island since then. Has anyone shown you around yet?"

I shake my head. "Not really. I don't think anyone's offering."

"Then maybe you're just waiting for the right guide." Arthur raises his glass again, a small grin tugging at the corner of his mouth.

Oh, he's charming and polite. Not what I expected from someone with Alpha blood. Guys like him are supposed to be too busy to waste time on girls hiding behind cakes, yet here he is, generous enough to offer his time without acting like I'm beneath him. He doesn't carry himself like a snob either, not like my broody step brothers who walk around like everyone owes them air.

Maybe this is finally my chance to meet a decent friend now that I'm back on the island.

"You know what? That sounds-"

"There you are." Jace suddenly pops out of nowhere and cuts through our conversation.

"J-Jace?" What is he doing here, interacting with me? It doesn't look like he's here to strike up a friendly conversation, not with his brows tugged into a frown as he glances between Arthur and me. His lips curve into a grimace like he just smelled something sour.

"Jace." Arthur nods at him. "I was just talking with your step sister here. She's got a way of making this place feel a little less stiff, I'll give her that."

Jace's jaw tightens and his eyes flick to me with a cold, sharp glance before he speaks. "You're out here flirting with a guest while our parents are looking for you?"

"W-What? I'm not flirting!" My face flushes in embarrassment as I shyly glance at Arthur.

"Hey, man. I was just striking up a friendly conversation. That's all," Arthur explains calmly.

Jace scoffs. "That didn't look friendly to where I was standing."

What's his problem? He's bulldozing in the middle of our conversation and now he's throwing this crap at me?

"Let's go. My dad and your mom are looking for you," he mutters without waiting for a reply, and completely ignoring Arthur who is staring at us in confusion. He looks one step away from arguing with Jace.

I stumble a little as Jace pulls me along, my fingers still caught in his grip. We barely make it a few steps before a familiar presence blocks our path.

"Well, look who decided to show her face." Yennifer steps right in front of us, her red gown clinging like blood to skin.

Yennifer's smirk stretches so wide it nearly splits her face. But nothing about it is friendly. If anything, she looks ready to tear me apart, especially when her eyes flick down to where Jace's hand is still wrapped around mine, then slowly rise back up to meet my gaze. She is being flanked by Vina and Eris.

"Well, hello there, Chubbyta." The insulting nickname rolls off her tongue like it's still scrawled on a bathroom stall in the Crystal Ridge High girls' restroom. "Not gonna lie, I didn't recognize you at first. I thought your mom had another daughter or something. You really gave up the snack drawer, huh? What happened? Did you run out of pastries back in the mainland?"

Bitch.

"Maybe that's why she decided to come back here," Vina seconds, snickering beside Yennifer. "She's probably looking for another fridge to raid."

Eris snorts. "I'll give her a month, tops. And she'll be back to her porky habits."

"I don't have time for this. Why don't you girls find another one to bitch with?" I snap.

"Oh look, she's learned to talk back. What is it, Chubbyta? You think you're part of the Aldair clan now, so that makes you untouchable? Is that it? You think you're one of them?" Yennifer takes a step forward as she mercilessly hurls the words at me.

"Yennifer..." Jace calls her in a warning tone.

But she only turns her grin on him, utterly shameless. She even has the brazenness to point at me as if to emphasize her point.

"Can you believe this, Jace? This clown is your new stepsister?" Her eyes narrow as her voice dips into that syrupy malice I remember too well. He stares at me with nothing but pure disdain. "No matter how you dress her up, she's still the same pathetic nobody who used to cry in the locker room."

"Yennifer! Mind your tongue," Jace hisses, stepping in like he's two seconds away from dragging her out of the party himself.

But Yennifer doesn't even flinch. She folds her arms and gives me a slow once-over, clearly enjoying the attention. The longer she stares, the more my skin crawls. A few nearby guests have started to glance our way, murmuring under their breath. I catch Evren and Luca a few meters away, their eyes trained on us with growing interest.

"I guess the fruit doesn't fall far from the tree," Yennifer says, then leans in closer to whisper so only I can hear. "Must be nice, slipping into the Aldair name like it's a free pass. No effort or backbone, just shamelessly riding on power that was never yours to begin with... just like your mother."

"Of course you'd be mad. You've been trying to claw your way up the social ladder since high school. And now someone else got a shortcut you didn't," I clap back.

Yennifer's eyes narrow. Her lips twitch in anger but no words come out of it as if she's taken aback by my words. Even Vina and Eris falter for a second, their smirks flickering as they glance at each other in awkward silence. For once, Yennifer doesn't have the audience laughing with her.

"Y-You bitch-"

"Oh, save it, Yennifer." I cut her off with a roll of my eyes. "You can have Jace all you want. Enjoy the drama. I'm going to see my mom. Unlike you, I don't have a habit of ruining parties just to be the center of attention."

I pull my hand free from Jace's and step away without looking at him. I keep my chin up as I stride towards the stage where Mom and Emery are still chatting with some of their guests.

Behind me, Yennifer hisses, "Watch her strut like she owns the damn pack now."

I don't look back, but the shuffle of heels against the tile and the sharp scrape of a table dragging across the floor yank my attention. My eyes flick toward the dessert table.

Yennifer's fingers are pressed against the edge, a glint in her eyes that sends a jolt through my chest.

"Oops," she mutters as she nudges the cake, causing it to wobble in the air and slide off the table.

Shit!

Gasps rise through the crowd as the cake descends to my direction. But before it can crash into me, a figure darts out from the crowd. Evren cuts between us and swats the cake midair, redirecting it toward the side. The towering mess of sponge and icing explodes against Vina, who shrieks as frosting splatters all over her pale yellow gown.

"What the hell, Yennifer?" Vina screams, icing dripping off her curls.

Yennifer stares at the scene in stunned disbelief, eyes wide as the cake splatters all over her friend's gown. Vina angrily stomps her teeth while wiping her cake-drenched dress. Around them, shocked murmurs rise and heads whip toward the chaos. Even Eris looks like she wants to disappear.

Yennifer snarls and shoves past Evren, dropping to snatch a chunk of ruined cake from the ground. "You can't even get humiliated right, you pathetic parasite!" she spits, then hurls the mess straight at me.

I gasp as the bits of the ruined cake smacks across my chest and neck, splatting all over my blue dress. I just stand there, stunned, while icing clings to my skin and soaks into the fabric of my dress. The guests around us gape at us in shock. The cozy music that has been playing since the start of the party halts to reveal the chaotic mess that is us.

"Yennifer!" Jace snaps, his voice cutting loud across the courtyard. "What have you done?!"

"Jace, it's her fault-"

"Enough!" Evren's shout follows right after. I've never heard him sound this furious.

But I can't focus on any of it. All I see are the rows of eyes of the guests that are glued to me like I'm some kind of circus act. Some of them whisper behind their glasses, others smirk like they expected this all along. I catch my mom's face in the distance, her head tilting as she cranes her neck to see what's happening. Emery stands beside her, following her gaze.

Too many curious eyes, too many ridiculing smirks.

Too many people around me...

I can't take it.