"My babies," she said gently, kissing their foreheads.
She finally looked at me, her smile soft but cold. "Oh. Seraphina. Still here?"
I clenched my fists. "What do you want, Valentina?"
She stepped closer, lowering her voice. "I heard about the dog. Such a shame. But maybe now you can focus on yourself."
"Move," I said.
She did not move.
Instead, she leaned in closer. Her fingertips drifted to the hollow of her throat, lingering there for half a breath before dropping away. "You poor thing. No family. No friends. No place here."
Before I could react, she grabbed my hair and yanked my head back.
I tried to scream, but her hand covered my mouth and nose, cutting off my breath.
Panic surged through me.
I struggled, my body thrashing, my lungs burning for air.
Behind her, the children giggled and continued dripping hot wax onto my skin.
Darkness crept into my vision.
Then a voice called out.
"Is anyone here?"
Enzo.
The children stepped back immediately.
Valentina let go of me and shoved me aside.
I collapsed against the wall, gasping desperately, my chest heaving as I fought for air. My body trembled, covered in hardened wax and pain.
She had almost killed me.