Prologue
I watched as crimson pooled out of her throat as her body dropped to the pavement. I could feel something tear me open. I could feel the hot tears boil in my eyes as I let out a shriek of emotional pain. The hand of my brother quickly caught the back of my jacket.
"We have to leave her!" He yelled. I didn't want to go. He pulled me one last time then the two of us sprinted like mad; the jade knot clasped tightly in my hand. I took one last look at Mother sprawled on the cold concrete. It looked as if she was sleeping on a comfortable mat of blood. I could see Mother's face from under her thick, black hair. I could tell she used the last of her willpower to flash me a kind smile and mouth, "I love you."
At that point, I knew, I'd never be the same again.