A loud commotion downstairs yanked me out of sleep.
"Dad, if you won't send her away, then I'll leave! I knew it… I knew you loved her more just because she's related to you by blood. Now I get it—I'm just your adopted daughter!" Ruth's voice cracked with anger.
"It hasn't come to that, Ruth! You were the one who welcomed Anaya when she first got here. What changed? She won't be going anywhere!" Uncle James' voice was firm, but there was frustration in it too.
Upstairs, I pressed my fingers to my temples my head throbbing. I checked the time and my eyes widened when I saw the date. Three days? I'd been asleep for three whole days? That was more than enough time for Assey to regain control of Ruth. And from the way she was yelling, he already had.
I forced myself out of bed, freshened up, and made my way downstairs. The moment Uncle James saw me, he rushed over and placed a hand on my shoulder, then checked my forehead.
"You were out for three days," he said, his eyes filled with concern. "I called the doctor, and he said you were just mentally exhausted. You needed the rest. How are you feeling now?"
Three days. I still couldn't wrap my head around it.
But something about Uncle James changed, His aura made me feel safe. He looked more 'Pastor James' than 'Uncle James.'
"I'm okay now, Uncle," I said, offering a small smile. "But I'm starving."
He sighed in relief. "Come, dear. I made some porridge for you. Sit and eat."
I sat at the table, picking up the spoon. As I lifted it to my mouth, my eyes met Ruth's across the room. Her glare was sharp, filled with something cold and unsettling. But I had a feeling the current Uncle James could easily handle her.
After finishing the porridge, I went back upstairs. I had barely sat down when there was a knock at the door.
When I opened it, Uncle James stood there, his face unreadable.
"Anaya, come with me to my study. We need to talk."
I followed him, my stomach twisting into knots. His voice was calm, but something about his expression made me uneasy.
Once we reached his study, he gestured for me to sit. I sank into the chair, waiting.
He took a deep breath. "I'm sorry, Anaya. For everything Ruth and your father did to you. I didn't suspect Ruth, and because of that, she and I both caused you so much pain. But from now on, I'll keep an eye on her. I won't let her hurt you."
I shook my head. "Uncle, Ruth is just a pawn in Assey's game. If she tries to hurt me, it won't be her—it'll be him controlling her. And if Assey wants to get to me through Ruth, then I'll do the same. I'll fight back through her. I promise you, she won't be hurt. Assey wants me out of this house so that he could personally attack me. Thank you Uncle, for not heeding Ruth's words to send me away."
Uncle James studied me for a long moment, then nodded. "I remember everything, Anaya. What happened to me, what I did, all of it. But I promise you, I will protect you. And I will protect Ruth."
I hesitated, then swallowed. "Uncle… the prophecy and Grandfather's death. I want to know everything."