Emily’s POV

The cool water wrapped around me like silk as I drifted on my back, staring up at the evening sky. The pool lights had blue shimmer, reflecting against the marble tiles of the mansion’s courtyard. It was quiet…peaceful even. For the first time in days, my mind wasn’t racing. No thoughts about Mateo Vasquez, my father’s ridiculous attempts at controlling my life, or Vanessa’s insanity. Just silence and the soft ripple of water.

Then, I heard it.

A commotion. Raised voices.

I blinked, lowering my body into the water. My fingers clenched into a fist as I turned my head toward the mansion’s entrance. Something was happening.

I...