Chapter 174

The Prey

For the first time in what felt like forever, I felt… light. My period had finally ended, freeing me from the pain, and I had just gotten off the phone with my mother. I still couldn’t believe I’d talked to her after so long. She sounded happy—happier than I’d heard her in years.

It felt strange when she mentioned that she knew I was on an educational trip and that phones weren’t allowed. I had never said such a thing. Judas must’ve decided on my behalf. Again. And then she mentioned that her financial condition had stabilized, that Mikhail was enrolled in some private school, and that her small business was flourishing.

But the kicker was when she said, “Thank you for sending us money, Sera. I don’t know how we would have survived without you.”

I froze when I heard that. I hadn’t sent her any money. My chest felt tight, and my mind raced. Judas. It had to be him. Was he taking care of my family without telling me?

I didn’t kno