Chapter one hundred and six

The air hung heavy with the scent of pine and the metallic tang of fear. Jessica stood before Zoe, her figure rigid with the stark moonlight etching sharp shadows across her face. Her eyes, usually warm and welcoming were now cold glacial pools reflecting the depth of her anger.

"You were my friend, Zoe." she said, her voice a low dangerous rumble. "We shared secrets, dreams, tears. And for what? For a taste of power? You threw our friendship aside, willingly walked the path of betrayal, all for the illusion of control."

Zoe, her once proud face now contorted with fear, sank to her knees, her eyes wide and pleading. "Jessica, please, I know I made a terrible mistake. I was blinded by ambition, I lost my way. But I'm begging you, forgive me. I've learned my lesson, I'll never betray you again."

Jessica's anger, fueled by the betrayal and the pain Zoe had inflicted began to bubble over. It was a pain that resonated deep within her, a constant reminder of the suffering Zoe had orchestra