Phoebe's POV
I nearly forgot just how much I adored being around children.
Growing up, I'd always craved a sibling—specifically a younger one. The idea of having someone to confide in, to share secrets with, seemed perfect.
But when Reginald and Viola moved in after Dad mated their mother, reality crushed those dreams.
Viola kept her distance constantly. She wanted nothing to do with me. Not mean exactly, but she'd wave me off whenever I tried entering her space, shutting me out completely.
Reginald, though... once I hit fifteen, his stares turned strange. His hands wandered where they shouldn't. The way he looked at me made my skin crawl.
Back then, I couldn't grasp what was happening. I stayed silent, hoping it would stop. But as months passed, I realized how wrong it all was and finally fought back.
That's when everything collapsed. His lies, his violent attempt to force himself on me, and Dad choosing his mate's side over mine—telling me to stop causing drama.
