My stepdaughter cried whenever we were alone—but when I finally discovered why, it shattered everything I thought I knew

as she gripped the fox. “Mom says it isn’t true anymore. She says that was the old Harper. If I talk about it, the old Harper will come back and you’ll hate her.”

Cold dread settled in my stomach.

“What happened to the old Harper?”

Her eyes found mine, wide with terror. “I’m not supposed to tell. She said the fire would come if I told.”

Before I could continue reading …