MERRIN’S POV
The banging had started hours ago.
Same rhythm. Same relentless voice.
“Merrin! Open this door right now!”
My mother’s tone grated like coarse sand dragged over raw skin, tonight… irritating and meaningless.
I stared at the floor.
Empty wine bottles lay across the room like discarded truths.
Half the room smelled of alcohol, the other half of rage.
I sat on the rug with my back against the bedframe, shoulders loose, head heavy, eyes burning.
I wasn’t drunk enough.
Not nearly enough to drown out Violet’s words.
‘I love Silvan. And I’d choose him over you… again. And again. And again.’
My jaw twitched painfully.
How dare she?
Her… of all people.
A girl who should’ve trembled under my slightest command.
Begging for my attention.
Begging for mercy.
Begging for he
