Chapter 199

• Lily POV
• I was up and dressed before dawn, slipping out of the house before Emma made her usual morning rounds. The truth was, I needed a moment to feel like myself again. Between the constant supervision, the formal meals, the scheduled lessons, and the weight of everyone's expectations, I felt like I was slowly losing my identity, becoming someone I didn't recognize.
• I left a note on my pillow for Emma to find: Gone to school early. I'm fine and safe. Will see you this evening. - Lily