Chapter 1 - THE MARK ON THE CHEEK
The air in the living room smelled of burnt coffee and cheap, heavy perfume.
Seven-year-old Sofia stood near the sofa, her knees trembling beneath her white cotton skirt.
Tears streamed down her face, pooling at her chin before dropping onto her canvas shoes.
On her left cheek, a swollen red mark burned against her pale skin, outlining four sharp fingers.
Standing over her, Victoria pulled her shoulders back, her gold satin shirt shimmering under the recessed ceiling lights.
Her golden hair was swept into a sleek ponytail that swung as she gestured wildly.
"¡Cállate!" Victoria screamed, her hand poised to strike again.
Her voice echoed off the high, white ceilings, harsh and merciless.
Sofia ducked her head, her tiny fingers clutching the fabric of her skirt so hard her knuckles turned white.
She didn't run.
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She couldn't.
Her feet felt glued to the cold, polished marble floor.
