Chapter 3

On the weekend, Walter suddenly suggested taking me hiking in the countryside.

"Clara, school's been stressful lately. Daddy wants to take you somewhere to relax." He smiled, all warmth.

I sneered inside. Here it comes.

Mountain roads. Accident insurance. Brake failure.

Only he didn't know—this time, I was the one who'd set the trap.

"Okay, thanks, Dad." I slung my backpack on and climbed into the car, obedient.

The car pulled out of the city. The roads grew emptier, the scenery on both sides more and more desolate.

Walter drove faster and faster. At a sharp turn, he suddenly wrenched the wheel hard, sending the car straight toward the edge of the cliff.

"Oh no! The brakes are out!" he shouted, faking panic.

Just as the car was about to break through the guardrail, he shoved the driver's door open and jumped out.

My door, on the other side, had been locked from the start.

Bang!

The car slammed hard into a big tree at the cliff's edge. Smoke billowed from the hood, and then flames leapt up.

The fire spread fast. The temperature inside the car shot up.

I beat at the window, putting on a show of terror, screaming my lungs out: "Dad! Help me! Dad!"

Walter stood a few yards from the car, watching me coldly. There wasn't a trace of pity in his eyes—only the giddy thrill of getting what he wanted.

"Clara, don't blame Daddy. Blame yourself for standing in your brother's way. Get a better life next time around."

The fire swallowed the cabin completely.

The smoke choked me until I couldn't open my eyes. The heat seared my skin.

Just as I thought I really was about to burn to death, a miracle happened.

A faint blue glow rose over the surface of my body, sealing the flames and smoke out.

I didn't feel any pain. Even my breathing came easier.

What was going on? Was I not made of flesh and blood after all?

Before I could think it through, the car suddenly went up in a violent explosion.

Everything went black, and I lost consciousness.