Chapter 35

VALENTINA I paused and looked back. She was still staring at the ground, her arms hugging herself protectively. Tears were running down her cheeks. “They're no friends but think of them as superiors.” She said again. I quietly sat beside her and heard her deep, trembling sigh. “I followed them because that's what they had promised—friendship and safety, but when the time came, their true nature was revealed.” She paused again. I remained patient for her to open up further, and she did, eventually. “I only have my mother as family. Although we have no luxuries, we are happy with our lives. Mom works at the traditional herb centre, one that holds prestigious sources in Ebonn Moon. However, recently, she fell ill, and after checkups and tests, we discovered her critical illness. One that needed expensive treatment.” She paused briefly, took a sniff, and then continued. “We used up all her years of savings, which wasn't enough at all. Running out of options, I went to Olivia and her mother