The nightmare was the same every time: my father's agonized face as Frauk’s claws tore into him. I woke up with a start, my body drenched in sweat, and my heart racing, tears streaming down my cheeks. Every detail was vivid, seared into my memory, a constant reminder of the man who held me captive now.
The image of my father’s death replayed in my mind, the pain as fresh as the day it happened. I took several deep breaths, trying to calm myself.
I took a deep breath and forced myself to get out of bed. I needed to keep up the facade, especially now with only six days left until my heat. I got dressed in simple clothes, pulling my hair back into a loose ponytail. As I descended the stairs, the aroma of breakfast greeted me, a mix of fresh bread, sizzling bacon, and brewing coffee. I fol
