Page 100 of Darkest Deception

Shutting off the water, I dry myself before walking out and changing into black leggings and a sports bra.

A moment of emptiness fills me as I stand in the middle of my room. Slowly bending down and crossing my legs under me right in front of my bed, I watch the window to my left, my open balcony doors, the curtains flaring softly against the glass doors.

The soft ruffle of the trees outside swoops into my room, weaving around and helping my mind to calm down. The faint crunch of leaves only means that guards are patrolling around the house.

Crossing my arms and placing them on my knees, I rest my head on my arms and just look out.

Silence envelopes me.

What would happen if I were to not exist?

Mother doesn’t care.

Aurora wouldn’t suffer because of me. She wouldn’t face the bullying both by me and the Madden sisters.

I don’t have actual friends to consider them to be worried about me.

Helia wouldn’t.

I feel something wet trickle down my forehead, but I don’t pay it mind.

“Little sin.”

My head snaps up to the hooded figure standing on my balcony.

And my heart drops.

31

Why?

Why me?

I feel exhausted from fighting.

My eyes fall to the wooden floor, moving away from my stalker.

Why couldn’t I hope for something simple like love in my life?

Why couldn’t anyone just… hold me?

And tell me that it will be fine and that they will keep me safe from the dangers of the world.

More and more tears drip out of my eyes, falling onto the floor. I hear the stalker take steps toward me.

Maybe this is it.

Maybe I should let him just kill me and accept death. Maybe the world is better without me.

No one would miss me. No one would want me here.

Nothing will change.

Helia’s life would be better.

Mom will get my inherited money.

Aurora wouldn’t look twice.

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