HANNAH I cry until my eyes run dry, my heart shattered into a million jagged pieces by Alex’s betrayal and the public humiliation that followed. The tranquil silence of the forest is broken by the crunch of leaves underfoot, and I don’t bother lifting my head to see who it is. But I know who it is the moment her scent reaches me, as she wraps her arms around my trembling form.“There you are! I’ve been searching everywhere.” Mila exclaims, hugging me tight. I cling to her desperately, craving the comfort and solace her embrace provides amidst this maelstrom of heartbreak.“That asshole Alex doesn’t deserve you,” she growls, the rumble vibrating through her chest as she tightens her arms around me. “I’m glad this happened so you can be free of him finally.” Her words are meant to soothe, but they only reopen

HANNAH I stare up at the towering glass facade of the M. Corp skyscraper, my stomach churning with dread. Is subjecting myself to more humiliation by returning here really worth it? I could quit, and start searching for a new job elsewhere...but what are the guarantees I’ll find decent employment in time? I need a steady income. As kind as Mila has been to let me crash at her place this past week, I can’t keep imposing on her hospitality forever. The way things are disintegrating, I fear soon I may be utterly alone with no means to support myself. Releasing a shuddering sigh, I brace myself and stride through the lobby, making a beeline for Alex’s office. Rae’s gaze is laced with pity as I arrive, and the look makes me want to disappear. Maybe I should just request a recommendation letter from him instead of asking Alex to transfer me to another department. 

I sway my body to the pulsing beat blasting from the club's speakers, my eyes fluttering shut as I let the alcohol coursing through my veins guide my movements. I'm lost in the music, in the blissful haze of intoxication, finally free from the constant ache in my chest. I don't know what day it is anymore, let alone the month. And frankly, I don't care.When drowning my sorrows in pints of ice cream stopped numbing the pain, I graduated to something stronger, something that could knock me out cold and grant me a few precious hours of oblivion. Mila's been worrying herself sick over me, convinced I'll never recover from Alex’s betrayal. And maybe she's right. This is my fourth night in a row at the club, ever since she cut me off from drinking at home. Alex had blown up my phone with calls and texts until I blocked his number, unable to bear seeing his name flashing on my screen.I roll my hips, shimmying lower as the bass drops, reveling in the appreciative whistles and catcalls from

I bolt upright in bed, a scream lodged in my throat, my heart slamming against my ribcage. My eyes dart around the room, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings, and my blood turns to ice in my veins. The generic, impersonal decor of a hotel room greets me, confirming my worst fears. Hot tears sting my eyes, blurring my vision as I drop my head into my hands, my breath coming in ragged gasps.But then, through the haze of panic, I notice something that gives me pause. My dress...it hasn’t changed. With trembling hands, I throw back the covers and examine myself more closely. Sure enough, I’m still wearing the same gown from last night, the fabric rumpled but intact. Did Collins have a sudden change of heart? The thought seems too good to be true, but a flicker of hope sparks in my chest.The sound of the door opening shatters the brief illusion of safety, and my head whips toward the noise, my heart leaping into my throat.“You’re finally awake,” Collins drawls, sauntering into the room

I listen to Alex recount how Alice charmed him, and Jason helped him obtain the antidote, my eyes widening in disbelief at his words. “Your mouth’s hanging open, Hannah,” he says with a slight smirk. “Of course it is,” I reply, running my fingers through my hair. The revelation leaves me reeling. “Here I was thinking Collins was crazy for dabbling in dark magic, only to learn my own sister did the same.” Alex nods solemnly. “I know; I never would have guessed they’d work together.”“What do you mean by that?” I ask, needing more clarity. “But first, can you explain in detail how Jason helped you get the antidote?” Alex takes a deep breath before speaking. “Jason went investigating who might have aided Alice, and during that time, he stumbled upon a pack whose witch had dealt with something similar. She was able to provide Jason with the herbs needed for Jane to brew an antidote.” “Oh,” I exhale, my mind racing to process this newfound information. “Yeah, and Hannah...” Alex paus