chapter 14 Salvation and Lies

Leona's POV Leona I had already decided before I knocked on the door. This time, I wasn’t here to be soothed, redirected, or sent away with half-truths wrapped in concern. Whatever aunt Elyss was hiding, it had reached the point where not knowing felt more dangerous than the truth itself. She opened the door， stared at, “Leona,” aunt Elyss said, her expression calm, “What’s wrong?” “I know about the Northern Forest.” For a fraction of a second—barely perceptible, but unmistakable—her composure cracked. Her pupils contracted. Her shoulders stiffened. That single, unguarded reaction confirmed what I had already suspected. she knew, but she wants to cover, again. "Emm, the summer camp?" I signed, “You can stop pretending,” I said quietly. “I’m not a child anymore. I know something and I know you knew it more and early.” Aunt Elyss closed the door behind me with deliberate care. “You’ve been imagining things lately. Stress can—” “No.” My voice shook, but I didn’t stop. “I’ve been rememberi