Elena’s POV:
The days I spent at Rachael’s house felt like an escape from a nightmare I wasn’t ready to return to. Her parents were the kindest souls I had ever met. They treated me like I belonged, like I was a human, never once looking at me with the disgust I had grown so used to.
Even her father, the man I had always thought was strict, would check on me from time to time. He never spoke much, but his silent presence was comforting in a way I couldn’t explain.
I envied Rachael.
She had everything I had been denied—a loving home, a family that cared, a place where she was safe and a good mate.
But I knew my time here had run out.
I had to go back.
Even though every part of me screamed against it, I knew I couldn’t stay here forever, I was already feeling like a burden.
It was
