Alena stumbled backwards, her waist slamming against the dressing table. Clutching its edge, she steadied herself on trembling legs as the room spun around her. Beads of sweat dotted her forehead, and a wave of nausea churned in her stomach“Mum!”


    A cheerful, childlike voice rang out, bright and innocent. A little girl dashed barefoot across a tiled floor identical to the one in Mr. White’s sitting room. Her chubby cheeks glowed with excitement, her small pink lips curving into a radiant smile. She wore an orange jumper, her dark hair tied in a bun that bounced as she ran.


    The girl launched herself into a young woman’s arms, her laughter filling the air. The woman, tall and slender, held her tightly. Sleek black hair cascaded over her shoulders, but her face remained indistinct, blurred as if hidden behind a veil of fog.


    Alena’s breath hitched. These memories had haunted her for months, yet the young woman’s face remained a mystery.


    “The tiles are cold—you shouldn’t run barefoot again!” the woman chided gently, her court heels clicking softly as she climbed the stairs.


    As the sound of heels echoed in her mind, a wave of anger and fear mingled within her. What is this memory? Could it truly be mine?


    Reality wavered. Alena’s grip on the dressing table slipped, and she crumpled to the floor. Tears streamed down her face as she clutched her head, her chest heaving with sobs. The sound of the woman’s heels echoed in her mind, sharp and relentless.


    “What are you doing to me?” she cried out, her voice raw and desperate. “Stop it! Please—just stop!”


    “I’ve done nothing. You’re starting to remember your real memories.”


    Alena’s tear-streaked face lifted, her gaze locking onto Kate. "My real memories?"  She rasped, wincing as a sharp headache overtook her. “Can you see them too?” She let out a dry, bitter laugh.


    Kate shook her head. “I can’t see memories, Alena. But I know this—If you want the truth, you’ll have to uncover it yourself.”The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    Alena lunged forward, gripping the edge of the bed like a predator ready to strike. “You’re a witch. You should be able to read memories!”


    Kate didn’t flinch. “Only you can uncover the truth. But if you don’t, you’re in grave danger. The only way to protect yourself right now is to protect Alicia and Alison.”


    Alena let out a derisive laugh. “Protect Alicia? You must be joking. She wants everything that’s mine. And Alison?” Her laugh was cold, sharp. “I’ve always wanted them gone so I can take what’s rightfully mine. Why should I protect them?”


    Kate’s expression didn’t waver. “Because your life depends on it. And if you’d listen to me, you’d know that Jeff can help you. Together, you could protect your sisters.”


    Alena narrowed her eyes, her anger simmering beneath the surface. But as Kate finished speaking, Alena pulled back abruptly, her gaze hardening.


    “I can’t. I won’t.”


    “Ale—”


    “Enough!” Aliena snapped, cutting Kate off. The room grew thick with tension. “Do you think I’m foolish enough to believe you? Do you think you can manipulate me like everyone else? You know nothing.”


    Kate’s gaze softened for a brief moment, but she masked it quickly with a faint smirk tugged at her lips.


    Alena clenched her fists, her voice trembling with restrained fury. “Do you know why I left that house? He hates me. He always has. But Alicia? She’s his princess. All I want is what’s mine—Berlin belongs to me as the first child, not her.”


    She had spent her entire life fighting for scraps of love and recognition, only to watch Alicia claim it all effortlessly. It wasn’t just envy—it was justice. Berlin was her birthright.


    “He felt guilty about Alicia. You know that,” Kate said evenly.


    Alena’s laugh was harsh, bitter. “I was ignored from the start. Alicia’s always been the favourite. And I won’t stand by and watch. Never!” She stormed toward the door but froze when Kate spoke again.


    “And Alison? Mum’s favourite?” Kate’s voice was quiet, almost taunting.


    Alena didn’t turn back. Her voice was sharp, icy. “Alison and I share the same goal—to take over Berlin. But in this game, there can only be one winner.” With that, she slammed the door shut.


    Kate exhaled deeply, her shoulders slumping as she buried her face in her hands.


    “This isn’t how it’s supposed to go,” she thought, her heart pounding.


    Frustration welled up, and she leaned her head back against the headboard, her gaze drifting to the window. The full moon hung in the sky, its light soft and reassuring. Kate’s lips curled into a bittersweet smile, her teary eyes glistening in the moonlight.


    “What if this is my last chance to reach them? What if I fail?”


    The questions lingered, heavy and unanswerable, as she stared at the moon—a silent witness to her hope and despair.


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