Chapter 6. Leaving a Crimson Ridge

I wasn’t sure how long we had been driving. My body felt numb, and my mind felt heavier than it had in years. Throughout the ride, I cried silently, unwilling to let anyone see my tears—especially my father. I couldn’t bring myself to look at him as my father anymore. His words, his actions, and the cruel decisions he made had shattered any semblance of love or trust I might have had for him.

I tried to envision life outside of Mooncrest, imagining what freedom might feel like. If my backup plan succeeded—running as fast as I could when the car parked and the guards were distracted—what would my life look like afterward? I had no illusions of it being easy, but it would certainly be better than what awaited me inside the walls of my home. The thought brought a small spark of hope, though it was quickly smothered by the fear gnawing at my chest.

Everyone knew how female rogues were treated: l