Beyond The Fairy Tale: A Monster

omach, a dull ache that I welcomed. It sharpened my focus

d to be a collection of dried wildflowers. Liam had picked them for me on our first real date, a walk through a

embled as I l

x was

room, my movements growing more frantic. I tore through drawers, look

there, holding a tray with a gla

our lesson?" he ask

are they?" My voice was hoarse.

confused. "W

box, Liam! The

d his face, followed by indifferen

my lungs. "

g the tray down. "Besides, they were just a bu

g. The room tilted. I stumbled out, past him, down the hall to the kitchen. I yanked open the trash can. There, at the

g through the filth, trying to salvag

s voice was sharp with annoyance behi

ts in my palm, a sob tearing from my throat.

my line of sight. Scarlett. She looked

ge." She deliberately placed her heel on my hand, grin

it was nothing compared

rm and hauled me to my feet. His grip was bruta

possibly comprehend it. He didn't see a woman whose heart he h

d to the two household guards w

he ordered, his voice devoid of all

sh can. Liam was already turning away, putting a comforting arm around Scarle

. But I wasn't afraid. I opened my hand and looked at the crushed dust of what used to be flowe