Alyssa

Marina's presence in the room feels like a heavy weight. Her confident stride and the sharp click of her heels are constant reminders of how out of depth I feel. Marina exudes composure, as if nothing can shake her. I can't help but wonder if she can see right through the mask I'm desperately trying to hold onto—whether she knows about the anxiety twisting my insides.

As she arranges her files, her eyes sweep the room, landing on Niko briefly, then Mason, before they ...