Aurelia's POV
My small apartment felt like a sanctuary after the nightmare at the Kane mansion. The familiar scent of my lavender candles, the soft throw pillows on my couch, the photos of happier times with my mother – everything here was mine, untouched by their controlling hands.
I collapsed onto my bed, finally allowing myself to cry. The tears came in waves, washing over me like a storm I'd been holding back for too long. My wrists still ached from the restraints, and every time I closed my eyes, I could see their faces surrounding me like predators.
How could I have been so stupid? I thought, pressing my face into my pillow. How could I have started to trust them again?
But even as I cried, I knew I couldn't hide in my apartment forever. I needed food, supplies, and some semb
