Prologue

The rain fell, soaking us, freezing us, but it didn't matter; nothing did, not anymore. I knew everything was about to change. I knew my world was about to crumble apart.

"There's no turning back now. I can't even look you in the eye."

Desolate tears ran down his face.

How could I have done this to him? His words sank into my soul like knives tearing me open from the inside.

"I don't even know what to say," I said, trying to control the panic that threatened to shatter me. He couldn't leave me. He couldn't, could he?

He looked full of hatred, contempt… It was a look I never thought I'd see from him.

"We're done," he whispered, his voice cracking but firm.

And with those two words, my world sank into darkness, shadows, solitude…a prison designed expressly for me. But I deserved it. This time, I deserved it.