Merlia’s face appeared before Lucas. Her soft voice sang his favorite lullaby. Her hand stroked his hair, and Lucas noticed the bruises and claw marks lining her arms. When he looked up, he saw her face covered in blood, her cheek swollen, her eyes darkened with bruises.

“Why did you let this happen to me, Lucas?”

“Merlia?”

Her hand slid from his cheek down to his neck. Then her fingers tightened around his throat, cutting off his breath. “You made me like this, Lucas.”

Lucas clawed at her hand, struggling to breathe. “M-Merlia, wh-what are you doing?!”

“I shouldn’t have helped you. You only bring danger. Lucas. Lucas.”

“Agh!”

“Lucas!”...