The cold blade pressed against my neck when the police burst through the door.
Blade MacMillan's vicious grin froze on his face.
Dozens of blinding flashlight beams cut through the darkness, illuminating the entire warehouse like daylight.
"Freeze!"
The SWAT team descended like divine intervention, securing the scene in an instant.
Blade's men barely had time to react before they were pinned to the ground.
My parents and Liam Anderson rushed in right after.
When my mother saw me tied to the chair, her legs nearly gave out. My father caught her just in time.
As the ropes were cut, I flexed my numb wrists.
"Luna Roscente hired a killer."
My voice echoed through the empty warehouse.
Liam staggered back, colliding with a metal shelf behind him.
The clang of metal rang sharply in the silence.
When two officers escorted Blade past me, I slowly stood.
"One more thing."
I looked at my parents, their faces still flushed with relief.
"Sixteen years ago, Luna was the one who sold me to human traffickers."
My mother gasped.
"She used the money to buy a new dress, then carefully orchestrated her meeting with you."
My father's fists clenched, veins bulging.
"I remember her humming Grandma's lullaby as she handed me to that old man."
My mother's sobs finally broke free.
My father steadied her swaying frame, his eyes bloodshot.
Liam looked drained, leaning against the shelf just to stay upright.
I stepped closer to him.
"Do you still think she's innocent?"
"Do you still believe she needs protecting?"
"Do you still think I'm the one who should be locked away?"
His lips parted, but no sound came out.
A cold sweat trickled down his temple.
Suddenly, I lost all desire to keep questioning him.
Turning to the lead officer, I pulled out my phone.
"The recording is here."