Shadows of Desiree

d back into her shop, her hands trembling and her heart pounding from the night's events. Kane was gone. Selena was g

hem of her dress, though she didn't know if it was hers or someone else's. Her mind replayed the chaos i

een the one to bring them into this mess. She had trusted

The slums weren't forgiving, and she knew Elric would not

-

sound that sent a shiver down Amara's spine. She approached the

was immaculate as always, his suit pristine, but there

, stepping inside without

replied, her

n the sewing machine and the half-finished dress

sked, her hands clenching

yed at his lips. "I thought I'd come to check

rd. "I had nothing

ght Kane and Selena into my orbit. You were the one who knew the mansion's lay

t they were planni

ser, his presence overwhelming. "Do not li

or a moment, she considered telling him everything-about Kane's desperation, Selena's betray

me?" she asked finall

ng. "Loyalty. You've proven your talent, Amara

f I re

reach his eyes. "Then you'll find

-

gone, Selena had turned against her, and now Elric was tightening his grip. The slum

Word of the failed heist spread quickly, though no one dared speak openly about it. The slums

r. On the fifth day after the

. Selena looked unbothered, her hair neatly braided and her clothe

?" Amara demanded

closing the door behind

yed us, Selena. You sold us out t

ne was reckless, and you were too blind to see it. If I h

shot back. "Did you think abo

remained steady. "Kane made h

ned away, her hands trembling. "You didn't have to do

ive second chances. If I hadn't made a deal, we'd both be rott

ars stinging her eyes. "

? You think I don't regret it? But regret doesn't change anything. This

ned to leave, pausing at the door. "Take care of yours

-

out the memories that haunted her. But no amount of sewing could erase the im

der of the price she had paid for her ambition. He spoke of oppo

t a cost. And as she looked out at the streets belo