Still, the pain makes it a bitter pill to swallow.
Groaning, I set my bag down near my door and open the noisy lock. The door squeaks open, and I take a whiff of the musty, earthy scent inside. Calm carries me away like a fish finding its way back to the sea.
Everything still smells the same, looks the same, albeit covered in dust.
But one thing has changed.
Me.
I haul my bag inside and sit down on the chair to check out my leg. The wound still oozes, but it looks like the danger of infection has passed. It’s going to be one nasty scar.
The one reminder I didn’t need of my brother’s death.
I grumble to myself.
At least I can comfort myself with the thought that the girl is also dead.
With a sigh, I reach into my bag and fish out the picture I brought with me. An old photograph outside our family home of Luca and me with our parents standing proudly behind us. A picture-perfect family … or so I thought.
Until my brother brought back the memories buried long ago.
Clutching the picture, I go back outside and walk to the back of the cabin. There, I go on my knees and dig a hole just deep enough for the picture to stay dry. “I’ll miss the memory of you. Goodbye, little brother.”
I cover the picture with dirt and close my eyes.
I never expected him to sacrifice himself just to save that girl.
That girl who ruined my life.
Jill.
But that was his choice, not mine.
However, his death will not be in vain.
I’ve already made sure of that by leaving a tiny trail of bloodied notes only one person could ever find.
Jasmine.
My heart begins to pound in my chest as a wicked grin forms on my lips.
I can’t fucking wait until I have her in my clutches. And I mutter to myself, “Soon… She’ll finally be mine.”
Chapter 4
Jasmine
Three years ago
* * *
“He’s gone.”
My mother’s words reverberate as I sit here on my bed, trying to make sense of the world that has caved in all around me.
It’s only been hours since Jill awoke from her frightening nightmare.
A nightmare that feels unending, even for me.