ANMELDENBarbara’s povThe door wasn’t fully closed.It was slightly open that someone from the outside could easily peek through to see what’s inside and it felt like someone had walked through it in a hurry and didn’t care enough to shut it behind them.Or worse, like whatever was happening inside didn’t need to be hidden.I slowed down instinctively.My hand hovered just inches from the door as my heart pounded loudly in my chest.Behind me, I could feel them. Tristan, Jeremiah and Geoffrey.All of them were tense and alert.“This doesn’t feel right,” Jeremiah muttered.“It’s not,” I whispered.I didn’t wait so I pushed the door open.At first, it didn't register. My brain didn’t catch up to what my eyes were seeing because it was too much, wrong and too fast.Then it hit me and everything snapped into focus. “Lily!”Her name tore out of my throat before I could stop it.She was on the floor, struggling and fighting.Her hair was disheveled, her clothes wrinkled and partially torn, her face
Barbara’s povI could not sleep all night. Not even for a minute did my eyes fall asleep peacefully.Every time I closed my eyes, I saw the messages again Leah had sent to me earlier. “I am not safe. I think they’re trying to kill me. Please don’t let them marry me off, please don’t let them get me. I need you to come save me, I can’t stay here forever.”My chest tightened just thinking about it. I couldn’t imagine the hell hole Lily must be right now. For her to send those messages, that means she was serious and is actually in serious danger if proper measures are not taken.By morning, I had already made up my mind. I wasn’t going to keep on waiting, wasn’t thinking it over and over again and I definitely wasn’t second guessing anything.I needed help. I needed help to get Lily out of her hell hole and there were only three people who could actually do something about this. Three people who could snap their fingers and everyone will be at their service and even if I didn’t fully t
Tristan’s povI knew something was off the moment I stepped into the room.Not because anything looked different but everything was exactly the same. The beds unmade, clothes thrown over chairs and that stupid lamp Jeremiah refused to fix even though it flickered every night.But the air?It felt heavy like something was waiting.I shut the door behind me slowly, my gaze sweeping across the room.Jeremiah was leaning against the desk, arms folded, looking way too still for someone who couldn’t stay quiet for more than five minutes while Geoffrey sat on his bed, elbows resting on his knees, head slightly lowered like he was thinking.Neither of them spoke and that alone was enough to confirm that something was definitely wrong.I dropped my bag onto my bed casually, like I didn’t notice anything. “What?” I asked, pulling off my jacket. “Did someone die or are you both just in a weird mood?”No response.I glanced at Jeremiah. He didn’t smirk or roll his eyes or say anything sarcastic.
Barbara’s povThe room felt too quiet again, it was not the kind of quiet that’s peaceful but it was the kind that pressed against your ears until you start noticing every little thing like the ticking of the wall clock, the faint rustle of curtains from the window, even your own breathing.I sat on my bed, staring at my phone.I didn’t even know how long I’d been doing that.I guess maybe five minutes or probably ten or even maybe longer. My thumb hovered over the screen, hesitating because I had been meaning to text Lily for days now and yet, hadn’t.At first, I told myself she was just busy. Probably Family issues or something urgent or Something that needed her full attention.But then a day passed, then two, three, four and five and suddenly, it didn’t feel normal anymore.Lily wasn’t the type to disappear. Not like that, not without a word and not without at least checking in.Even when we fought, she still showed up or texted or even existed in my space.But now? Nothing hap
Barbara’s povI should have known they’d notice because unlike Jeremiah, Geoffrey notices everything and Jeremiah doesn’t say much but he sees more than anyone else.So the moment I walked into the courtyard that afternoon and spotted them already seated at our usual spot, I knew I wasn’t getting away with anything especially not today and not now.“Look who finally decided to show up,” Jeremiah called out the moment he saw me.I rolled my eyes lightly, adjusting my bag as I walked over. “I was in class. You know, the reason we’re all here?”“I don’t think we both have the same response, I’m here for the vibes.” He said. “Of course you are.” I rolled my eyes at him.Geoffrey glanced up at me as I approached, his gaze lingering just a second longer than usual.It was not obvious but it was more than enough and that was all it took for me to realize that they actually knew something.I sat down anyway, acting like I didn’t notice.“Why are you both staring at me like that?” I asked, pul
Barbara’s povI didn’t go far, I guess it was maybe ten steps or even less.I don’t even know what made me stop.It wasn’t him calling my name because he didn’t. It wasn’t anything dramatic. It was just a simple thought.A simple, annoying, persistent thought that refused to leave. “This doesn’t have to be like this, Barbara.”I exhaled slowly, my steps slowing to a stop because as much as I liked pretending I didn’t car and as much as I enjoyed throwing words back at him for once.This constant tension? This back and forth? It was exhausting.And honestly? It was actually pointless.I turned and he was still there.Of course he was, standing exactly where I left him, watching me like he expected me to keep walking like that was the end of it.It wasn't this time. I walked back. He noticed immediately, his brows pulled together slightly, like he wasn’t sure what I was about to do.I stopped in front of him again, closer this time. “What now?” he asked.His tone wasn’t annoyed, it was







