Chapter 43. Is This how It Ends? pt. 1

Aurora’s POV

My legs dragged on the streets, barely able to hold my weight as I reached my familiar neighborhood.

The cold night air clung to my skin, sending shivers down my spine as I finally reached home. My legs burned from running, my heart still hammering in my chest from the fear that had chased me through the darkened streets.

But this was my sanctuary—my escape from everything outside. My father may not have been the best man, but at least here, within these four walls, I would be safe. Or so I thought.

As soon as I pushed open the front door, an uneasy stillness settled in my gut. The stench of alcohol and stale smoke choked the air, and the murmur of voices slithered from the living room. My fingers tightened around the doorknob as I hesitated. Something was wrong.

Then I saw him. My father.

He was lounging on the stained couch, his face gaunt, his eyes sunken and bloodshot. Around him stood two—no, three—men, their eyes gleaming