Serena’s POV

The sunlight streamed softly through the window, touching my face like a warm caress. I blinked, disoriented for a moment, before reality settled over me: I was alive. I had survived Penny, the dustbin collector, the threats, the relentless torment. My body ached, bruises painting a mosaic across my skin, but each pang of pain reminded me that I was still here. Still breathing. Still fighting.

Ross sat beside me, his hand resting gently on mine. His eyes, tired but bright, held a mixture of relief, worry, and something deeper—an unspoken promise that no harm would come to me again. I allowed myself a soft smile, leaning slightly...