“"So, you're asking me to sacrifice my life, mother?" "And what of it? Are you so proud of your pitiful and disgraceful life? You are a blight and a curse! This is the only way you can redeem yourself!" "By dying?" Winona asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yes, by dying and performing a noble act to cleanse your sins and curses. Perhaps you might be blessed with good karma in your next life," her mother retorted harshly. Winona knew her mother would never wish her well. What good karma? Her mother would likely wish she had never been born in the first place! Winona cast a fleeting glance at her supposed mate, but his eyes were filled with hatred and... threat. It was as if he would rip her to shreds if she dared refuse to comply. Did he despise her that much? That was the moment when she began to accept the harsh reality that she was alone in this world. She had nothing and no one. She was despised by her own mother. Rejected by her mate. Mocked by her sister. Perhaps, she wasn't meant to be alive.”