Chapter 52

"Sien..." The pain in Kaelen's voice hit me like a physical blow.

I could see my words were hurting him, but I couldn't take them back. They were true, even if they stung. I couldn't face those sweet, innocent children while I was barely holding myself together.

I couldn't be the aunt they looked up to when I was still jumping at shadows and trembling from memories that felt too fresh.

"Wa