The morning sun filtered through my window, but it couldn't pierce the darkness in my heart. For days, I'd locked myself in this room, trying to accept the bitter truth—I couldn't defeat Dominic. Not yet. Not with rushed plans and emotional outbursts.
The only way to kill him is to get close to him, I thought, staring at my reflection in the mirror. Take time. Plan correctly. Be patient.
But patience felt impossible when my parents' faces haunted my dreams every night. Last night's dream had been the worst—Mom's gentle smile, Dad's protective embrace, both fading into darkness while Dominic's cruel laughter echoed around them.
"I can't do this," I whispered to myself, gripping the edge of the dresser. "I can't pretend to accept him."
My stomach growled, reminding me I hadn't eaten sinc
