The Contradiction of Solitude — A. Meredith Walters

You may notice me, but you will never know me. I prefer it that way. I am the daughter of a monster. Born from blood and lies. Dead before I have truly lived. But Elian tells me that I'm different. He tells me that I'm beautiful. That I'm an enigma wrapped in irresistibly complicated skin. Elian says that he loves me. These words terrify me. I can't trust love. Or hope. Or truth. Because I fear the beast inside. It threatens to drown Elian and his sweet, unconditional love. It's a beast that will destroy everything.