0058.

IVORY'S POV

I watched Hilda leave the room, a feeling of thrill still buzzing in my veins while pacing back and forth, imagining every step of our plan falling into place. My mind was a turmoil of pictures of Niylah's face, proud, self-assured smile faltering as she realized that everything around her was slipping away.

The more I contemplated it, the better it sounded. I had to watch her for too long walking around like she was greater than everyone else, like she was some sort of untouchable princess. She wasn't different from any of the rest of us, though. And I would be the one who'd make her see that.

I couldn't wait to get started, but I knew I had to tread with caution. I couldn't afford for one single moment to raise suspicion that it was Hilda and I behind it all, or else we'd face the punishment instead of Niylah. That thought alone was enough to make me slow down, take a deep breath, and rethink every step in my head.

"Patience, Ivory," I said slowly, my fingers tightening