I swallowed the lump in my throat and took one last look at the boy I had raised, the boy I had loved like my own.
“After eight years, if this is what you think of me… then there really is no point in me staying,” I said with a sigh.
Without another word, I turned and walked away.
Just as I was dragging my suitcase towards the gate, Marc pulled the crossbow and shot at my head.
Rhea’s POV
“Don’t think that if you play the victim, I will let you stay and be my stepmother!” Marc’s voice cracked with adolescent rage. “If you have the strength to leave, then go and never crawl back!”
The silver-tipped arrow, heavy with the boy's hate, hissed through the air. I tried to twist away, but the bolt grazed my shoulder, tearing through my skin and embedding itself in the muscle. A pained scream ripped from my throat as I collapsed onto the cold stone.
Malachi was at my side in a heartbeat. He gathered me into his arms, his face pale as I gritted my teeth against the searing fire in my shoulder.
“I am so sorry, Rhea,” he choked out, his voice trembling.
Suddenly, a sharp cry pierced the air. Casey let out a wail, and Marc screamed right after her.