Riley's POV
A week had passed since Stella's brutal assault, and I remained confined to my bedroom, nursing wounds that ran deeper than the surface bruises. This beating had been the worst yet, leaving me questioning whether I'd survive the next encounter. Zoey faithfully delivered my assignments each day, while teachers sent additional coursework via email, knowing I'd use the recovery time to push further ahead academically. At this rate, I might graduate early and escape this nightmare before senior year even began.
The constant presence of Caleb's crew outside my house had become an unsettling routine. Day and night, they maintained their vigil, their shadows moving past my window at all hours. I couldn't understand their motives. Were they planning another attack? The uncertainty gnawed at me more than my physical injuries.
