Book 2, Chapter 52

52

<><><><>

.

Alessa laid on the bed, staring at the ceiling, her mind refusing to quiet down. Sleep was far, every haunting thought that swirled in her mind. The moments at the party played over and over like a broken record, but no matter how hard she tried, the details remained blurry, frustrating her even more.

She struggled to piece everything together, trying to remember every small interaction, every face. It was as if the fog clouding her memory was deliberate, blocking her from the truth. Then, her thoughts drifted toward Xavier. ‘Was it him?’ she wondered, trying to recall if there had been any signs, anything suspicious in his behavior. But nothing stood out. Xavier had never given her a reason to doubt him before.

And then, like a bolt of lightning, a memory flashed through her mind.

"Hey, let’s have a party!"- Sia had insisted that night. Alessa had initially refused, saying she wasn't in the mood, but Sia had been so persistent, almost forceful about it.

Alessa was always