Chapter 91

• "You have no idea the horrors I faced daily—the ridicule, the anger directed at me, the constant fear. It wasn't just my father; it was everyone, acting on his orders. The physical torture was particularly unbearable, but somehow, I got used to it. I became accustomed to being punched, dragged across the floor, and beaten. I learned to endure being whipped with a studded belt, kicked down flights of stairs, and even having to strip naked while I was punished. I lived that life every day. I had two changes of clothes and was allowed to wash only once a week. I didn't have access to a shower or the basic comforts that every human deserves. I had to sneak around in the home where I was born and raised. And every single day, I climbed those stairs and stepped into the kitchen to confront the haunting memory of my mother lying bloodied and lifeless on that floor, with no recollection of what had happened next. I refuse—refuse—to stand by and let him inflict the same horrors on others that he inflicted on me. I will not be his victim. If I hide from this, if I hide from him, then I'm still a victim. Not anymore."
• Pride radiated from both Xavier and Steve as I straightened my back, determined. "Whatever I need to learn, I will learn. But I'm going in."
• Connor regarded me with newfound respect before leaning forward, resting his arms on his knees. "Okay. You'll learn," he replied, nodding.