Chapter 38: Chapter 38

"You abomination," Margaret spat out the harsh words, her anger and disappointment etched on her face.

She delivered a swift, stinging slap across Althea's face. The young girl staggered back, her hand rising to touch her reddening cheek. Tears welled up in her eyes, a mix of pain and confusion.

"Mother, please," Althea pleaded, her voice trembling. "What have I done wrong again?"

Margaret's stern gaze bore into Althea. Her mother's fiery eyes were a stark contrast to Althea's, which held innocence and uncertainty. She took a deep breath, trying to control her anger but failing to hide her frustration. "You are not like the others, Althea. You're different, a curse upon our family."

Althea's young heart ached. She was just a child, unable to comprehend why her mother looked at her with such disdain. "I don't understand, Mother. Why am I a curse? What have I done?"