LOGINBarbara’s povBy the time I got back to the dorm, my entire body ached from all the vigorous and rigorous exercise and workouts Tristan had made me go through. It was not the normal kind of ache and definitely wasn’t the soft, dull soreness that comes after a long day.This time around, it was deeper and sharper like my muscles had been pushed past their limits and were now quietly protesting every movement I made.I dropped my bag on the floor and shut the door behind me with my foot, letting out a slow breath as I leaned against it.Training with Tristan was a whole lot to process and deal with. He didn’t hold back like I thought he would. I really thought maybe he would have empathy because I’m a girl. I was wrong and he didn’t even hold back, not even a little.And the worst part was that I didn’t want him to because every time he pushed me harder and every time he told me to go faster, hit stronger, react quicker, something inside me answered like my body knew what to do before
Tristan’s povShe showed up and that was the first thing that surprised me, not because I thought she’d back out but because most people did.They talked big, made promises and acted brave, then disappeared the moment they realized what they signed up for.But Barbara?She stood at the edge of the training grounds behind the gym at exactly the time I told her.There was no hesitation on her end and no second-guessing.She was just there waiting and her arms crossed lightly, hair pulled back and her eyes scanning the area like she was already trying to understand it.I leaned against the fence for a moment, watching her before making my presence known.She hadn’t seen me yet or at least, I thought she hadn’t.“Are you going to keep staring or actually start?” she said without turning.I froze for half a second then smirked. “Careful with the way you speak to your coach” I said, pushing off the fence. “You’re already getting too bold.”She turned to face me. “Maybe you’re just slow, coa
Tristan’s povThere are days when the school feels normal.It felt too predictable, manageable and then there are days like this one, where nothing makes sense the moment I step outside.I saw her before she saw me.It was Barbara walking across the courtyard like she had somewhere specific to be, her steps steady, her posture straighter than usual.There was something different about her again.It wasn’t obvious, it wasn’t something anyone else would notice but I did. I always did.Her movements were sharper and felt more controlled like she was aware of every step she took.Every shift in her balance. It wasn’t dramatic, it was subtle but it was there and I didn’t like it.I leaned back slightly against the pillar, watching her approach.She didn’t hesitate when she spotted me or looked away like she would on a normal day. She didn’t pretend she hadn’t seen me.This time around, she walked straight toward me and that alone was enough to put me on edge.Barbara never approached me. N
Barbara’s povI woke up screaming. Of course it wasn’t the quiet kind, it was the kind you can swallow back before it leaves your throat.No, I’m being kind with my words. Honestly, this one tore out of me sharp, loud and desperate like I was still trapped in whatever nightmare had me in a very tight grip.My chest heaved violently as I jolted upright, my hands clutching the sheets like they were the only thing keeping me grounded.For a second, I didn’t know where I was.The room blurred and the shadows felt wrong.It felt too close and too alive. “Barbara!”Lily’s voice cut through everything. Hers was real and it was familiar.I turned toward her, my breathing uneven, my heart slamming against my ribs like it was trying to escape.She was already moving toward me quickly and concern plastered across her face.“Hey hey, it’s okay,” she said softly, climbing onto my bed without hesitation. “You’re okay, Barbara.”I shook my head slightly. “No….no, I…”My voice failed me because I co
Barbara’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







