Chapter Eighty- Five

Doubt gnawed at Riley's resolve, causing her to falter. Then with a heavy sigh, Riley lowered the pillow, her heart heavy with the weight of her decision. But just as she turned to leave, a surge of determination coursed through her veins. She couldn't let Sophie live to tell the tale. She had to do it, no matter how difficult it was.

Bracing herself, Riley turned back to Sophie, her grip tightening on the pillow. She was about to press it over Sophie's face when Sophie suddenly stirred in her sleep. Riley froze, her eyes widening in shock as Sophie's eyes fluttered open.

Caught off guard, Riley staggered back, the pillow slipping from her hands and tumbling to the floor. She stood there, paralyzed with fear and disbelief, as Sophie blinked up at her in confusion.

Sophie sat up on the bed, rubbing her eyes as she stared at Riley. She asked groggily, "Aunt Riley, why are you here?"

Riley's mind raced for an explanation, her words caught in her throat as she struggled to come up with a p