Ray felt like he was suffocating. His world was spinning, his mind unable to process the words leaving Esme's lips. Yet, in stark contrast to his turmoil, Esme's expression remained eerily calm.
Her voice was soft, almost gentle, as she spoke.
"I know." She exhaled slowly, as if bracing herself. "I know I must seem like a monster to you. Like a snake that devours its own young. You can blame me all you want—I won't fight it. But I had no choice."
Ray's fists clenched at his sides, his nails digging into his palms.
"I love that child." Esme's voice wavered for the first time. "It's not that I didn't care. But I love you all more."
The words felt like knives to his chest.
