What does he want?

Behind her, Armin quickened his pace, closing the distance between them. “Wait! Please, I need to talk to you!” His voice was laced with urgency, a frustration that matched his pounding heart.

Alysha froze mid-step, the sound of the name striking her like a thunderclap. Her body trembled, the echoes of her false identity mingling with the truth she couldn’t grasp. She didn’t dare turn around, her breathing shallow as panic surged through her. Why is he calling me? What does he want?

Alysha’s legs felt weak, her instincts urging her to flee, but she couldn’t move. Her thoughts spiraled into chaos. Why is this happening? Why now? She clutched the edge of her scarf, trying to ground herself.

Unseen by either of them, Seraphina stood at a distance, her sharp eyes locked on the scene unfolding before her. Her expression was cold, calculating, her lips curling into a faint, menacing smirk. She had been watching Armin closely, sensing his growing curiosity about Alysha. And now, as he chased