I had just helped Lena back to her room when a sharp, broken scream cut through the house.
It was Harper.
The sound was high and desperate.
My mother stiffened instantly. "Riley… your uncle…"
I stepped in front of her before she could move toward the door.
"Mom," I said firmly, "you've spent your whole life letting the Wilchers use you. Do you really want to keep living like that?"
She froze.
"You treat them like pack. Like blood. But what have they ever done except drain you? Is that what family is supposed to be?"
She lowered her gaze.
"In the past, you endured it because of Grandma. But Lewis already made sure she's safe. She's out of their reach now. You don't owe the Wilchers anything anymore."
Her hands trembled slightly.
"Just now," I continued, my voice steady, "if I hadn't stopped him, that so-called father of yours would have hit you. You're carrying a child. And he still raised his hand."
Tears filled her eyes.
