Even with Rose behind bars, the attacks didn't stop.
The third victim was the most unexpected yet—and it changed everything.
Not a victim of the original Rose Garden.
But a former bully.
Her name was Callie Graves—one of the quieter enforcers who had sided with Rose in the early days. She'd never been expelled. Never spoken out. Most had forgotten her.
But someone hadn't.
She was found in a city park after dark, restrained with the now-familiar thorned wire. But this time, authorities arrived in time. Sirens scattered the shadows, and the assailants vanished into the night before they could finish what they started.
Callie was shaken but alive.
And the media exploded.
"New Garden Attacks Former Rose Ally"
"Is No One Safe?"
"Targets Shift in Mysterious Pruning Case"
The rules were changing.
Annie and Kayla watched the news unfold in stunned silence.
"It doesn't make sense," Annie muttered. "The victims were supposed to be survivors. The ones who spoke out."
Kayla shook her head. "So why her? Why now?"
Across forums and social feeds, fear began to spiral again.
If they weren't just targeting the past victims…
Could anyone be next?
The third attack had barely made it through the 24-hour news cycle when the next headline dropped:
"Rose Reeve Released: No Evidence Ties Her to Ongoing Attacks."
With no digital traces, no eyewitnesses, and no motive that made sense anymore, the authorities had no choice but to let her go.
Annie and Kayla didn't hesitate.
They found her the same day—outside a quiet café, dressed simply, face unreadable.
She noticed them before they even spoke.
"I figured you'd show up," Rose said, folding her arms.
Kayla kept her tone sharp. "Three attacks. Two victims, almost dead. One barely escaped. That doesn't bother you?"
Rose scoffed. "You think I'm behind this? I was in custody. What more do you want?"
Annie stepped forward. "We know it's not you. That's the problem. Whoever it is… they're using your name. And your legacy."
Rose's gaze darkened. "Then you should be scared too."
Annie blinked. "What do you mean?"
She leaned in, voice low.
"Because I have no idea who they are either. But I can tell you this—whoever's building the Rose Shadow Garden? They're not copying me."
She paused.
"They're trying to erase me."
Annie narrowed her eyes. "What makes you think they're trying to erase you?"
Rose met her gaze without flinching. "Because if they were honoring me, I would've been contacted. Pulled in. Not locked up and thrown out of the story."
Kayla crossed her arms. "You weren't attacked, though."
Annie added, "Exactly. And why would the new leader target you? She calls herself the Black Rose. That name alone feels like she's building on your image—not destroying it."
Rose looked away, her jaw tightening. "You don't get it. This isn't flattery. It's replacement. The name? The thorns? It's everything I created—only twisted."
There was a long pause.
Then Annie, against her instincts, sighed. "Still... just in case you're right…"
Kayla blinked. "Annie—"
"We help protect you," she said firmly. "Until we know the truth."
Rose arched a brow. "How noble of you."
Annie stared her down. "Don't mistake it for forgiveness."
Rose smiled faintly. "Wouldn't dream of it