I thought I'd die in that pitch-black basement, snakes slithering over me. I didn't cry in prison, not when Zoe crushed my fingers, not even when those cold scales brushed my skin. But the thought of my pup's death going unavenged, while Zoe basked in her perfect little life, free as a bird—that broke me. Tears poured out like a flood, unstoppable.
With every ounce of strength left, I crawled to the door. I wanted someone, anyone, to save me. But I was too weak to pound or scream for help.
As my vision blurred, a voice cut through the haze. "Melody!"
Ethan's towering frame loomed over me. He scooped me up, holding me tight. His words came fast, a jumble of "Wake up" and "I'm sorry." But the darkness swallowed me, and I passed out.
When I came to, I was in a hospital bed, Ethan's heavy
