Chapter 22 Aria

• When I finally stop running, I find myself in the locker room hallway, my breath coming in gasps, as if each breath is a battle, and my heart pounds within my chest, trying to escape. I lean against the cold wall, feeling the rough texture against my skin as I attempt to regain my breath and control over my emotions. The whirlwind of thoughts in my mind is overwhelming, each one more distressing than the last. The idea that Elowen and Thorne might be the bastard children of Caelum pounds incessantly in my head, but I struggle to push those thoughts away. If I give in to this spiral of fear and anxiety now, I know I will not be able to return to work.
• With my breathing finally stabilized and my determination restored, I push open the locker room door, stepping into an environment that is familiar to me, but today feels different, heavier, laden with tension. The locker room is emptier than before, which should bring me some relief, but the unwanted presence of Lily, with her gaze always filled with disdain, destroys any sense of comfort I might have.
• “Today’s event is a masquerade party. The clients have requested that everyone, even the staff, wear masks,” my manager explains briskly, handing me a beautiful red lace mask.