Chapter 523

4 p.m. At a detention center on the outskirts of Caelmoor. Chloe Grace sat in a dim, cramped room. The setup was bare-bones—so much so that the layer of dust coating the bench could’ve been measured by the millimeter. Through an iron-barred window, the sound of footsteps echoed from the hallway, accompanied by the sharp clink of handcuffs. Moments later, Olivia Hale sat across from her. Through the window, Chloe stared at her old acquaintance and almost didn’t recognize her. She had changed—so much. Her figure was gaunt, almost hollowed out. Dry, brittle hair hung limply, and her skin was parched and lackluster, devoid of the vitality it once held. The artistic air she used to carry was completely gone. Now, she looked just like any other inmate. Chloe watched Olivia quietly. Olivia stared back. Suddenly, she turned to the guard next to her and asked, “Can I get a cigarette?” The guard was about to scold her, but Chloe interjected calmly, “I brought some. Let her have one.” When Olivia