Lenora bit back a bitter laugh. She hadn’t raised a hand, yet already Hailey was molding herself into the victim.
“Hailey,” her voice sharpened, “keep your act for Evan and Raymond. They’ll believe it. I won’t.”
She began closing the door—but Hailey thrust her hand into the frame. A sharp cry left her lips as her skin bruised instantly.
Evan and Raymond appeared just in time to see Hailey clutching her hand. Their focus locked on her, not Lenora.
“Lenora!” Raymond barked, fury darkening his face. “You didn’t need to go this far. When did you turn so cruel?”
Evan’s disappointment cut just as deep. “It’s her birthday,” he said coldly. “Was that necessary?”
Turning back to Hailey, his voice gentled. “Come on, let’s get that treated. Does it hurt badly?”
The two of them led her away, murmuring reassurances, leaving Lenora behind as though she were nothing.
She shut her door quietly, leaning against it as memories crashed down. Once, those boys had been her anchors, her laughter, her guardians. They had begged her not to leave when she was sent away for healing, promising loyalty for life.