Chapter 53

The night air was harsh on Shanaya’s skin. Every breeze was a reminder of her grandmother’s words—cruel, sharp, and the sort to leave permanent wounds on her soul.

She let out an exasperated sigh and closed her eyes, thinking about her parents. She wondered how things would have been if they were still there. Ahail would have never gone down the path of self-destruction, never lost Noor—he would likely have a high paying job somewhere in some cool city. He would go out on vacations to all the great places in the world like he always wished. She would have remained silly, never toughened up, never taken up responsibility.

But instead, here she was, wondering how much truth was held in Suhala’s words. Had they given up on themselves? Whatever did she mean by that?

For the last six years, Shanaya had done everything in her capacity and beyond to get to where she was. She had left no stone unturned. She had failed, fallen and then risen up, tried again until she had become successful.