Chapter 2 Chapter 2 Valencias POV Oh , and dont worry . Ill make sure theres no trace left . She toed the glass across the room , shattering it against the wall . Cant leave any evidence , now can we ? Not that anyone will car Her laughter echoed around me , a cruel , mocking sound that sened to pierce right through my heart , I slumped back . Now that I knew , I could feel the poison taking root , a slow , burung pain spreading through my veins . I thought of the sister I had loved , the life that had been ripped away from me piece by piece . I had nothing left nothing but a hollow , all consuming rage . They say that in your last monients you see the most cherished memories in life. But all of my good ones had been tainted and all I saw was complete and utter despair . As the pain grew , I felt regret at trusting them . I wished death upon her , upon Jaxon . I wanted them to suffer , to pay every tear , every ounce of blood they had taken from me . But all I was capable of now was praying with all my heart that they got what they deserve , that their world would get destroyed and trampled on just like they did to mine . And they suffer so much that they have no choice but to end up praying for death . Sweet child . A soft , melodic voice pierced through the darkness , pulling me from the depths of pain and betrayal . for Slowly , I opened my eyes , and above me was a bright sky , vibrant and clear . The scent of hydrangeas and crisp forest air filled my lungs , soothing the ache within me . I lay on soft grass , the blades tickling my skin . It was calm here , unreal . Peaceful . I pushed myself up , taking in the tranquil scene around me . An enormous lake stretched before me , its waters so still they could have been made of glass , as though time itself had stopped Everything here seemed to hover between dream and reality , untouched by the cruelty I had left behind . Cautiously , I leaned forward and looked into the water . What I saw staring back was not the woman Id become but the girl I once was , whole and unmarked . My skin was smooth , free from the scars left by Jaxons cruelty . My hair was long , rich auburn strands falling to my back , full and healthy . I looked … beautiful . A lump formed in my throat , and my eyes filled with tears as I realized just how much I had lost how much had been taken from me over the past six years . I hadnt even noticed the depths of my own destruction . Where am 12 The question whispered through my mind , barely formed , but before I could process it , the soft voice spoke again . Youre in a place beyond time , stuck between life and death Startled , I turned to find a breathtaking woman sitting on a smooth rock beside the lake . She was ethereal , her long , braided hair crowned with golden flowers , her skin almost luminous in the soft light . Her electric blue eyes , tinged with gold , sparkled as she gazed at me with a gentle smile . Can … can you read my mind ? I asked , my voice trembling . Chapter 2 Her smile widened , a look of understanding in her eyes . Mlun she murmured , her voice a soft , soothing melody , as if it was speaking directly to my soul . Despite myself , I felt drawn to her , an overwhelming sense of can taking over my frayed nerves . My body moved before I could think , and I knelt in front of her , gazing up at her like a lo child seeking comfort . She reached forward , cupping my cheeks with soft hands , and I melted into her touch . My dear … what has hurt you so terribly ? she asked , her voice fed with compassion . It was as if she already knew , but she wanted me to say it , to voice the agony burning inside me . The words spilled from me , raw and broken . My mate … my love betrayed me . My sister betrayed me . My children left me , and now … now lin all alone . My voice cracked , and a fresh wave of pain washed over me . She stroked my hair , her hand gentle as I rested my head in her lap . Let me show you something , she whispered softly , trace of knowing in her tone . In an instant , the tranquil lakeside faded , and I found myself standing before a forked path . To my left was a dark , eerie forest , its trees casting deep shadows . To my right , a bright meadow stretched out , filled with red roses . The air was thick . with their scent , sweet and familiar , but as I inhaled , it turned bitter , and a shiver of disgust ran through me . This is the crossroad of your life , the woman said , standing beside me once again . Tell me , dear , which path would you choose to walk if you were given another chance ? I looked between the two paths , the meadow with its vibrant roses beckoning on one side , and the shadowy forest on the other If someone had asked me this question a couple of years ago , I would have chosen the meadow without a second thought . It smelled like home , like warmth and love . But now ? Now it smelled like Jaxon and Celeste like a lie . Without hesitation , I turned toward the dark forest , where the scent of smoke , dewy earth , and hydrangeas beckoned me with quiet resolve . The path called to me , almost like an embrace like something waiting for me .. someone waiting for me . Youve chosen wisely , the woman slid , her electric blue eyes gleaming with approval . Her gaze softened , and I felt a strange pull , as though she were seeing something just beyond me , or maybe even within me , I opened my mouth to ask what this mennt , but she spoke first . You have many unfulfilled wishes , dont you ? Her voice was soft , knowing A tremor ran through me as the realization dawned . I nodded slowly , the motion feeling foreign , as if I were betraying myself with the truth of it . My mind hadnt been willing to acknowledge what my heart had longed for , but here , in this place beyond time , there was no room for denial . Relax , dear , the woman soothed , her voice a balm . Your soul speaks when the body cannot . And your soul has spoken . What … what is this ? I whispered , my voice barely audible . Where am I , truly ? Her hand brushed against my cheek , her expression tender . Its time for you to go back to the crossroads of your life . Valencia , and change your destiny . Back ? I repeated , my heart pounding . Why ? Who are you ? All in due time , my dear , she said , her voice as serehe as the lake behind us . But before you go , promise me one thing . I blinked , uncertain , as her gaze held mine , intense and unyielding . What is it ? I asked , my voice barely above a This time … follow the path your soul wants , she said , her eyes glinting with a mysterious light that seemed to hold the weight of the world . Because this is your last and final chance . The words lingered , the weight of them pressing on me like a binding vow . Her eyes softened , almost glistening with a trace of something like sorrow . Go , child . There are those waiting foryou those who will need you , who you have yet to meet . Chapter 2 And then , everything went dark . The sound of laughter filled my cars , and suddenly , icy water spished across my face , shocking me awake . I gasped , disoriented , the warmth from the otherworldly womans presence replaced by a hiring chill . My heart races as I scrambled up , blinking against the shock , and looked around . The familiar , dimly lit room of my familys home swam into focus . I was sitting in my old bed , clutching the soaked covers as I looked up to see Celeste standing beside me , a mischievous smile on her lips and an empty glass in her hand . Happy birthday , big sister , she cooed , her voice laced with sweetness . Time to rise and shine ! I stared at her , wide eyed , my heart pounding as I struggled to understand . The room . it was exactly as it had been year ago , right down to the worn wallpaper and the scratch on the windowpane . Everything looked untouched , familiar . 1 glanced down , catching a glimpse of myself in the vanity mirror across the room . My face unscarred , youthful . Exactly like my reflection in the dream . The long , auburn hair I hadnt seen in years hung in slightly damp strands around my shoulders . I touched my face , my hands trembling , feeling my smooth skin , my whole , unmarked self It felt unreak , impossible , Had I gone completely insane , or … or had I been reborn ? SEND GIFT In CrushReel's ongoing romance novel, "All the Wrong Reasons," the protagonist, Andrea, faces a pivotal choice: either write a sex column or risk losing her job due to her lack of experience in that area. Determined to succeed, Andrea embarks on a journey to explore this unfamiliar territory. 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