Celeste
The moment my mother left, I could finally breathe again. My cheek still burned where she’d slapped me. My scalp throbbed where she’d pulled my hair. But worse than the physical pain was the fear crushing my chest.
What was I going to do?
I couldn’t steal from Jace. Not after everything. Not after he’d trusted me, protected me, believed me when no one else did.
But if I didn’t bring my mother what she wanted, she would hurt me again. Maybe even worse this time.
And her threat... I will get rid of you and him.
Did she mean she would actually kill us?
I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to stop shaking. Tears streamed down my face.
I was trapped. Completely trapped. If I obeyed my mother, I would betray Jace. If I refused, she might kill both of us.
There was no way out.
