To be hated or to be loved

“I will tell you everything that I can,” Elise starts. "Yes, I do have powers, but I am still confused about my abilities, and I cannot trust anyone so easily... I'm terrified even by the thought of them seeing me like a freak, just like my father and Kyren.”

"—shh,” Vienna cut her off. “You can explain to me at your own pace; I promise you that you are safe. And I will not judge you,” she assures. The strong will in her encouraging gaze made Elise's heartbeat calmer.

She nods in understanding before following the healer into a warmer space, where the dark wood floors match the large brown stone fireplace.

Vienna then leads her to an L-shaped sofa with two comfy armchairs beside it. She takes a seat on the soft couch while Vienna rushes to the stove by the kitchen, to place a warm cup chamomile tea, with its calm scent that wafts aruond the room, which she positions on the table to warm Elise up.

She urges Elise to take a sip that calms her nerves before she mutters, "Where