The world had never felt so quiet.
Addison lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, her chest tight, her mind racing. The room was dark, save for the faint silver glow of the moon filtering through the curtains. She could hear the steady breathing of Abel and Kaine beside her, their warmth a comforting presence—but even their closeness wasn’t enough to anchor her tonight.
She turned onto her side, gripping the sheets, but no matter how she tried, the storm inside her refused to settle. Every thought, every memory, every belief she had about herself felt like a delicate glass structure that had been shattered in an instant.
Layla wasn’t my mother. She stole me. Maddie is my sister. Lilly—
Addison squeezed her eyes shut, trying to block out the whirlwind of emotions clawing at her chest. The
