AUTHOR’S POV

After that day, Aria and the girls often found themselves huddled together, whispering about her escape. They spoke in low voices, their words cutting off every time footsteps echoed in the hallways. The biggest interruption always came from Eva, who seemed to appear whenever the air grew too secretive.

One afternoon, they gathered in Aria’s room, the blonde girl spreading a crumpled map across the bed. Her fingers tapped one corner eagerly.

“This is where you’ll slip out ...