Chapter 1 One More Day The sound escapes before I can stop it - just a small " tsk " when I see my sister Victoria smoking in the hallway . " What was that ? " Her voice cuts through the morning air like a blade . I freeze . ' Stupid , stupid , stupid . ' " Did you just make a sound at me ? " Victoria's eyes narrow , and I know I'm in trouble . Before I can answer , my brother Tristan's fist slams into my stomach . The air rushes out of my lungs in a painful whoosh . " Looks like little sister has an attitude problem , " he sneers . My brother Ethan's punch catches me in the ribs before I can recover , sending me stumbling sideways into Marcus , my third brother , who shoves me hard against the wall . " Hold her still ," Victoria orders , taking a long drag from her cigarette . They grab me then - Tristan's hands clamping down on my shoulders from behind , Ethan on my left , Marcus on my right . Their grips tighten until my bones ache , and I'm trapped between them and the wall . I don't struggle - learned that lesson years ago . " You think you can judge me ? " Victoria steps closer , the lit cigarette dangling between her fingers . " You think you're better than me ? " " No , I- " " Shut the fuck up . " The cigarette comes closer to my arm . " You don't get to speak . " The burning starts slow , just a kiss of heat against my skin . Then Victoria presses harder , and the pain explodes through my arm like fire racing through gasoline . I bite down on my scream , tasting blood . " That's for thinking you have the right to judge anyone in this family , " Victoria whispers , twisting the cigarette deeper . Her eyes light up with genuine pleasure as she watches me struggle not to cry out . Tristan laughs . " Look at her trying not to cry . " " Pathetic , " Marcus adds . Ethan just holds tighter , his fingers digging into my shoulder blades . The smell of burning flesh fills my nostrils , and my stomach lurches . But I don't make another sound . I learned long ago that screaming only makes it worse . ' One more day , ' I tell myself , the words a lifeline in the darkness . ' Just one more day , then I'm eighteen . Then I can leave . ' I'm Moira Castellano , and tomorrow is my eighteenth birthday . Tomorrow I'll finally be free from this house . Free from my stepmother Clarissa who makes my life hell . Free from my brothers Tristan , Ethan , and Marcus who love making me suffer . Free from Victoria - my younger half - sister who orchestrates most of my torture with the precision of a master puppeteer . And free from my father Dominic , who used to be the worst of them all but lately has been distracted , pacing and muttering , not making full attendance at my torture sessions . At least Jaxon doesn't participate anymore . My oldest brother used to join in , but now he just ... watches . Victoria finally pulls the cigarette away, studying the angry red mark she's left behind . " There . Now you'll remember not to disrespect me . ' 11 " Alright , boys , we're done here , " Victoria announces , flicking ash onto the floor . " I'm bored now . " They release me so suddenly I stumble , my knees hitting the hardwood with a sharp crack . Pain shoots up my legs , but I don't move . I stay there on the floor until their footsteps fade down the hallway . ' Tomorrow , ' I whisper to myself . ' Tomorrow I turn eighteen , and I can finally get out of here . ' " MOIRA ! " Clarissa's voice screeches from downstairs . " GET DOWN HERE AND MAKE BREAKFAST ! NOW ! " My stepmother's voice could shatter glass . I push myself up from the floor , my arm throbbing where Victoria burned me . The hallway spins for a moment , but I force myself to move . Downstairs , Dad sits on the sofa , his eyes glued to the morning news . The tension radiates off him in waves - something's definitely wrong , but asking questions would only make things worse for me . He sees me coming down the stairs and his face twists with disgust . " About fucking time , you lazy bitch . " The chair flies before I can react . It crashes into my ribs , sending me sprawling across the bottom steps . " I said make breakfast ! I'm starving , and you're moving like a damn sloth ! " He's on his feet now , looming over me . " Useless piece of shit , just like your worthless dead mother . " ' Don't react , don't cry , don't give him the satisfaction . ' I scramble to my feet and run to the kitchen , my ribs screaming with each breath . " Where's the bread ? " I ask Clarissa , scanning the counters frantically . Her hand connects with my cheek so hard my ears ring . " Don't you dare come into my kitchen and start demanding things ! You think you run this house ? " " I'm sorry , I just- " " You worthless fuck ! " Another slap , this one splitting my lip . " The bread is in the pantry where it always is , you stupid girl ! " I taste copper and salt , but I don't touch my lip . I find the bread , my hands shaking as I start making breakfast for everyone . Toast , eggs , bacon - the works . The smell makes my stomach clench with hunger , but I know better than to expect any for myself . When I'm done , I set the plates on the table where Victoria is now sitting , looking fresh and perfect in her school clothes . Dad takes his plate without acknowledgment . Clarissa fusses over Victoria , asking about her classes , her friends , her plans . " And what would my beautiful daughter like for lunch today ? " Clarissa coos . " I was thinking of eating out with friends , " Victoria says sweetly . " Could I have some money ? " 2125 " Of course , sweetheart ! Anything for you . " I watch this display from the corner , my heart twisting . This is how it used to be with my mother and me . Before she died when I was ten , before Clarissa took her place and decided I was nothing but a burden . Mom used to call me her " little sunshine , " used to pack my lunch with little notes that said she loved me . She used to brush my hair and tell me I was beautiful , special , destined for something wonderful . Now Victoria gets everything that should have been mine - the love , the attention , the gentle touches . My throat closes up as I watch Clarissa stroke Victoria's hair the same way Mom used to stroke mine . Victoria glances at me over Clarissa's shoulder , and there it isthat familiar gleam in her eyes . The one that means she's thinking of new ways to make me suffer . She leans forward and whispers something in Clarissa's ear , so quietly I can't hear it. Clarissa's face darkens as she looks at me . " Victoria just told me you've been stealing food from the pantry . " " What ? No , I " " Don't lie to me !" Clarissa's voice rises to a shriek . " My daughter doesn't lie ! " Victoria sits back with the most innocent expression , but I catch the tiny smirk playing at the corners of her mouth. She's enjoying this . She made it up just to watch me get punished . " I wasn't " " LIAR ! " Clarissa backhands me so hard I taste fresh blood . " No breakfast for you today . Or tomorrow . Maybe hunger will teach you not to steal from us ." Victoria catches my eye again and mouths the word " hungry ? " with mock concern , then covers her mouth to hide her silent laugh . ' One more day , ' I think as I grab my backpack . ' Tomorrow I turn eighteen , and tomorrow everything changes .' When they're done , my brothers and Victoria leave for school first , laughing and joking like a normal family . I wait until they're gone before heading to the door . 121 : 25 The morning air hits my face as I step outside , and for just a moment , I can breathe . Freedom is so close I can almost taste it . ' Just hold on a little longer , Moira . Tomorrow , you'll finally be free . 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