Skylar's POV
The cold weight of the gun in my hand felt heavier than ever, as if it carried the burden of every choice that had led me to this moment. My uncle stood across the room, his lips curled into that infuriating smirk, the kind that made my blood boil. My finger hovered over the trigger, trembling. I wanted to end this — end him — but something inside me wavered.
"Do it," he taunted, his voice dripping with mockery. "You're your father's daughter after all, aren't you?"
I clenched my teeth, my grip tightening. Julian's voice broke through the fog in my mind.
"Skylar, think about this," he said, urgent but calm. He was standing just behind me, close enough to stop me if he had to. "This isn't who you are. Don't let him win by turning you into what he wants you to be."
