Millie stood over him, chest heaving, blood pooling at her feet. The nightmare was over, but the reality of what she’d done began to sink in.

Part 6: Deadly Truths

Millie staggered back, the knife slipping from her trembling hands. Andrew lay motionless on the floor, blood spreading in a dark pool around him. Her breath came in shallow gasps, the adrenaline that had carried her this far now crashing into icy dread.

What had she done?

She didn’t have long to think. A sound from the staircase drew her attention. Slowly, like a phantom, Nina descended, her face pale but calm. Her gaze locked on Andrew’s body, and for a moment, Millie thought she saw a flicker of relief.

“You… killed him,” Nina whispered, her voice eerily steady.

“It was self-defense,” Millie stammered. “He was going to—”

“I know,” Nina interrupted, stepping closer. “I believe you. He… was like this for a long time. You did what I couldn’t.”

The words hit Millie like a blow. “You knew? About all of this?”