Chapter 10

Elara's POV

The walk to Mother Annabelle's office is nerve-wracking and short. I spend the whole time thinking about what to say and how to prove that I am an ally and not a foe.

The second Mother Annabelle sits down, my heart rate spikes. This is the moment of truth. I just hope they believe me. They have to believe me. I'm their daughter.

Clearing my throat, I start, "Mother, I really—"

She holds up her hand, cutting me off. After exchanging a glance with Mother Esther, who quietly walks to the door and locks it, she turns to me. "Elara, I am deeply disappointed in you. What has this community done to you? Did we wrong you that you chose to side with the enemy and ruin us?"

I can't bear to see the looks of hurt on their faces, so I focus my gaze on the table. Mother Esther sighs and walks toward me. Holding my hands gently, she asks, "El, you are one of the most respectful and kind-hearted children this orphanage has ever raised. I know that living here was not easy. But we trained