Seraphina's POV
"I don't want to go there!" I said, my voice low but cautious. "As you know…" I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. "How this family treated me before… going there now feels like I'd be inviting more bullying. They'd do something, and…" My words trailed off as Emma gently patted my back.
"Hey!" she exclaimed. "You're not that same weak Sera anymore! Why would you still be so afraid?"
"I know, right! But I still am," I muttered, rubbing my hands together nervously. "I might have changed, but not them."
"Yes!" Emma said firmly, trying to reason with me. "They might not have changed, but if you stand up for yourself, no one would dare touch you. You've got your brother by your side… and even Lucien is there!"
I bit my lip, thinking about it. Even with Asher there, the memories of fear and humiliation was deeply itched in my heart. And Lucien… he was calm but intense person. His every gaze held a quiet warning that kept everyone else in check.
