Chapter 1:

The New Home

I stood at the top of the grand staircase, sketchbook tucked under my arm like a shield, listening to the front door swing open with that heavy, expensive click. Mom’s laughter floated up first bright and a little too loud, the way it got when she was trying to impress someone. Then came his voice. Deep, smooth, like aged whiskey poured over ice.

“Easy with those bags, love. We’re home now.”

Home. The word twisted in my stomach. This mansion on the hill had never felt like mine, even after Mom dragged us here six months ago while I was away at college. Now she...