#Chapter 260: Home

Abby The ride home feels like an eternity, my head still throbbing with pain and the world outside a blur of snow and darkness. Karl’s presence beside me is a comforting anchor, and I try my best to focus on the sound of his voice as he reassures me that we’ll be home soon. Finally, I see the lights of the mansion come back into view like a lifeline in a stormy sea. We pass through the tall security gate and into safety once more, then pull into the driveway. Karl turns off the engine and stops to glance at me. “Ready?” he asks, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. I nod, too tired to steep. He quickly gets out of the car and comes around to my side, helping me out. But as soon as I step onto the snowy ground, my legs give way beneath me, and I stumble and fall, the world spinning around me. “Abby!” Karl exclaims in alarm, catching me before I hit the ground. I clutch onto him, feeling dizzy and disoriented. “Karl, I don’t feel so good,” I mumble, my v