There was only one number I had memorized. One final lifeline.
When the call connected, my voice cracked completely. “Brother… it’s me. Seraphina.”
There was silence. Then a sharp breath.
“Do you still care about me?” I whispered through tears. “If you do… please help me.” My hands clenched the receiver. “Help me disappear. Help me fake my death.”
“Do you still care about me?”
Hot tears spilled freely, splashing onto the phone as I pressed it tightly against my ear. My voice fractured under the weight of everything I was holding back. “If you do… please. I’m begging you. Help me disappear. Help me fake my death.”
Nothing answered me at first.
The silence stretched unbearably long, sharp enough to cut. Then a harsh laugh broke through, bitter and unforgiving.
“Now?” my brother snapped. “You’re asking for my help now? After all this time? After you turned your back on us? After you chose him over your own family?” His anger crackled through the line. “You betrayed us. You betrayed Adrian. All for that man. And now you expect me to save you?”