POV: Amelia
The old mill stood dark against the morning fog as the truck dropped me off. I stepped out, bag tight in my hand. Sophia waited by the broken door, looking nervous.
“Amelia, you came,” she said, voice low. “I was scared you wouldn’t trust me.”
I stopped a few feet away. “After everything, why should I? You worked for Victoria.”
Sophia held up a folder. “Because I am done. Look. Real adoption papers. The twins are at Pinewood Academy. Victoria pays the headmaster to keep them hidden.”
I took the folder but didn’t open it yet. “Why the sudden change of heart?”
“My daughter,” Sophia said, eyes wet. “Victoria threatened her too. I realized I was helping a monster. The twins ask about their real mom. They drew pictures of you.”
My heart ed. “They know about me?”
“Bits and pi
