Chapter 18 Hidden Depths

• Elara’s fingers trembled slightly as she dialed Tessa’s number. After everything that had happened, she desperately needed to hear her best friend’s voice. The phone rang twice before Tessa’s familiar, cheerful tone filled the silence.
• “Elara! Oh my god, where have you been? I’ve been worried sick!” Tessa’s voice was a mix of relief and concern.
• Elara took a deep breath. “Tessa, I’m sorry. So much has happened. I don’t even know where to start.”