Eira's POV
I stirred at the faint sound of movement and slowly opened my eyes, only to find myself staring into the faces I hated most. But along with the hatred, a cold fear gripped my heart, forcing me to sink deeper into the sofa as if it could protect me.
Ever since that night when they tortured me by using my deepest fear against me, I felt like I'd lost my mind. Everything I looked at seemed threatening. All I wanted was to scream until my lungs gave out and then crawl into a dark corner where no one could ever find me.
Reality had started creeping back the moment I cried over that familiar dish—the food I hadn't even smelled in the last six years. It was something I used to love, tied to countless memories. Just the scent was enough to stir warmth from the past, warmth I thought had died inside me long ago.
Memories I had buried deep started rising to the surface, and all I could do was cry over them.
