Chapter 1The Monster in the Mirror

I was born with a dual personality. Normally, I'm a gentle, good girl. But three drinks in, I switch to a ruthless, bloodthirsty monster.

When I was seven, at my aunt's wedding, I sneaked three glasses of wine.

When I woke up, my hands were covered in blood. At my feet lay a dozen skinned tabby cats and a massive hunting dog that had been strangled to death.

My parents, shaking with fear, threatened suicide to make me swear I'd never touch a drop of alcohol again.

But now, at my fiancé's birthday party, his childhood sweetheart, Felicity, insists I drink.

I shook my head, claiming an alcohol allergy. Felicity, glass in hand, teared up:

"Ethan, I knew she looked down on me. What did I do wrong?"

Ethan, my fiancé, snapped impatiently: "Felicity is toasting you. It's just a drink. Will it kill you?"

He grabbed my chin, forcing the high-proof liquor down my throat.

"Be good! Drink three as punishment. Apologize to Felicity."

* * *

One glass of white liquor burned its way down my throat.

Watching Ethan pour the second, I shook my head, trying to stay lucid. My voice was raspy. "I really can't drink. Something bad will happen."

Felicity looked wronged. "Ethan, I think she just doesn't welcome me. I should go."

Ethan grabbed her to comfort her, then turned to me with thinly veiled anger. "Anna, why do you have to be so difficult?"

I smiled bitterly. Once upon a time, Ethan would block every drink for me.

I remembered him holding my hand under the table, defending me: "My Anna is allergic to alcohol. I'll drink for her..."

I took a deep breath. Standing up, I stumbled. A buzzing sound filled my head, like a pair of eyes slowly opening in the dark.

Ignoring everything else, I staggered to the bathroom, splashing cold water on my face, desperate to stay awake.

"Pathetic. Didn't you say you were allergic? Why are you fine?"

Felicity stood nearby, arms crossed, eyes full of mockery. Her tone dripped with sarcasm.

I clenched my fists. Bad. The alcohol content was too high!

I gritted out through clenched teeth: "Get out!"

Instead of leaving, Felicity smirked and stepped closer. "You don't know, do you? Ethan and I set this up just for you. You're drinking whether you like it or not."

"Because Ethan is going to get you drunk and give you away as a toy."

I snapped my head up, eyes wide with disbelief. "Impossible!"

Ethan and I had been together for three years. We were engaged. I couldn't believe it.

But the moment I stepped out of the bathroom, Ethan walked towards me with a dark face and a glass of wine.

"Two more glasses. Drink up, Anna. Apologize to Felicity!"

I looked at him, my heart sinking.

I can't drink!

The memory of those skinned cats from when I was seven was etched into my brain.

I promised my parents. No more killing.

I rushed to the door, turned the handle, but it was locked tight.

"Open the door! I'm leaving!"

Ethan advanced on me, holding the glass. "Anna, show some class. You haven't finished your apology drinks. Where are you going?"

I almost growled. "Open the door! If you force me to drink again, you won't be able to handle the consequences!"

Ethan sneered.

"Anna, who are you scaring? You always say you're allergic, but look, you drank one and you're fine. Just two more, and we're good."

Ethan's buddies chimed in. "Exactly. In this day and age, who doesn't drink? Stop being dramatic."

Felicity smirked at me, her smile widening.

Seeing no escape, I exhaled, staring Ethan down.

"Felicity said you're going to get me drunk and give me away. Now you're forcing me. Explain."

Ethan's face changed instantly.