Chapter 4Reborn, I Refuse to Take Her Place

I let go of Diana's hand and stepped into the room.

There she was. Aunt Brenda.

And lying in a specialized wheelchair next to her, completely paralyzed, was her husband. Uncle Richard.

"Sadie, you're here. What is the meaning of this?" My advisor rushed over, practically shielding me with her body.

"She's right about one thing," I said, staring dead at Brenda. I couldn't stop a dark, twisted smile from spreading across my face. "My only mistake was not hitting him hard enough to finish the job."

If only I hadn't been half-starved back then. I would've had the strength to cave his skull in completely.

My advisor grabbed my arm. "Sadie, what are you saying?"

I turned to her, letting the tears fall right on cue. "I was thirteen years old. He—my uncle—tried to force himself on me."

Richard's eyes bulged, bloodshot and manic. He couldn't move anything below his neck, but his jaw worked furiously. Saliva sprayed from his lips as he made guttural, choking sounds, trying to deny it.

"Are you running a school for criminals?" Brenda shrieked. "She's a psycho! She tried to murder him!"

"Who's a murderer?" a voice cut in from the doorway.

Eric stepped into the room. I had no idea how long he had been standing in the hall. He walked right up and stood beside me. His voice was steady and loud enough for everyone to hear.

"I only see a brave girl who defended herself against a predator."