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Chapter 2
After taking care of Lily’s funeral, I stepped into the house, her urn clutched tightly in my arms.
The front door slammed open with a loud bang.
Aubrey strutted in on Grayson’s arm, heels clicking against the hardwood, a sneer tugging at her
lips.
“Well, well… Look who’s risen from the grave–Miss Moore herself.”
Grayson’s eyes landed on the urn in my hands. His expression flickered–almost a hint of guilt.
But the second he saw my face, it vanished. Replaced by ice.
“Really, Lily? Faking your death for sympathy?” His voice dripped with disgust. “That’s a new low -even for you.”
Aubrey giggled, clinging to his arm like a parasite.
“Grayson only sent you to the monastery for a few days of quiet reflection. And now? You assault a retreat leader, show up waving around an urn, acting like the tragic heroine.”
She tilted her head, mock–concerned. “What’s next? Luring Grayson to a fake funeral with this bargain–bin box?”
She suddenly reached out for it. “Let me guess–trash day special?”
I stepped aside. She stumbled forward with a shriek, nearly hitting the floor.
“Lily!” Grayson barked. “How long are you going to keep this up? Faking your death wasn’t enough? Now you’re pushing Aubrey too?”
Aubrey clutched her ankle, eyes glinting through the fake tears.
“I know she resents me… for ruining her wedding. But Grayson, don’t blame her–it’s all my
fault…”
Grayson’s expression hardened. “Lily, apologize to Aubrey. Right now.‘
I said nothing. Didn’t flinch. I held Lily’s urn with both hands like it was the only thing keeping me grounded.
Mom stepped forward, planting herself between us. Her voice trembled with fury.
“Get out! Neither of you is welcome here!”
Chapter 2
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Grayson’s temper flared. He grabbed my wrist roughly. “This is how the Moore family raises its daughters?”
“You won’t learn the easy way? Fine–take her back. She stays until she learns some manners.”
I yanked my hand away and gave him a cold, dead–eyed smile.
“Gladly.”
That threw him off. He paused for a beat, confused by my calm.
I walked to the memorial table, set the urn down with quiet reverence, and gently traced my sister’s smiling face in the photo frame. She still looked so sweet. Just like when she’d sneak candy into my hand, eyes sparkling like it was the biggest secret in the world.
As I turned to leave, Mom caught my arm.
“Scarlett…” she whispered, voice breaking. Her eyes shimmered with grief and helplessness.
I squeezed her hand gently.
She let out a heavy breath and slowly released me. “Alright, go.”
I nodded once and walked out without looking back.
Aubrey was already curled up in the passenger seat, voice dripping sugar.
“Grayson, I think something got in my eye~”
He leaned in without hesitation, blowing softly, their noses almost touching. Breath to breath. Their intimacy was sickening.
They didn’t even remember I was in the backseat.
Aubrey gave me a sideways glance, her lips curling in a victorious smirk.
I said nothing. I sat perfectly still, eyes cast down, a statue carved from ice.
The car cut through the winding mountain roads, the monastery drawing closer with every mile.
But all I felt was fire in my veins. A hunger that couldn’t be fed. They had taken Lily from me. And I would never forgive that.
The radio suddenly crackled to life, static tearing through the silence.
“Urgent alert: A highly dangerous patient has escaped Hollow Creek Psychiatric Facility. All citizens are advised to remain cautious…”
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Chapter 2
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The two up front didn’t even blink.
I leaned back into the seat, eyes fixed on the back of their oblivious heads.
And smiled.
Silently. Coldly.
Like the calm before a storm.
