Emerald felt a knot in her stomach as the two figures emerged from the shadows. The moonlight illuminated their faces, which were both cruel and familiar… faces she believed she had left behind and not expecting to see.
"Alia," Emerald breathed, her voice caught between disbelief and dread. Then her gaze shifted. "And you."
Rhiannon smiled coldly, her curls catching the silver glow. "Hello there, Emerald. Miss me?"
Emerald's heart raced.
Memories flooded back to her from the depths of her mind, memories filled with pain, cruel laughter, and hurtful words that were meant to break her. She clenched her fists to keep herself steady, determined not to show any sign of weakness.
Alia tilted her head, smirking knowingly. "I told you, Rhiannon. Rick's been acting different, hasn't he? Now we know why. It's because of her." She motioned at Emerald like she was some nuisance to swat away.
