A WEB OF DECEIT

POV: Mia

With my heart pounding, I paced back and forth in my tiny room. I had the impression that the walls were closing in on me. The feeling that something was seriously wrong with me persisted.

"What am I doing?" While running my hands through my hair, I said to myself.

A tap on the door startled me. I shouted out, attempting to maintain a steady tone. "Come in,"

Callum stepped in, his eyes hard and black. "Mia, we need to talk." With a dry throat, I nodded. "What is it?"

Leaning against the door, he closed it behind him. "Elder Rovin desires to go to the following stage. Are you prepared?" I paused, my thoughts whirling. Was I prepared? Is it possible for me to finish this?

I said, "I... I don't know, Callum." This doesn't feel right. People are being hurt by us. our companions." Callum's gaze grew strained. "Mia, they're not our pals. Recall the damage they caused to us. To you.

I shook my head, reliving the past. The hurt, the rejection, and the isolation. Still, though... "Tha