★Nuel's POV★
Laila stepped out of the room, her movements careful, almost hesitant, as she excused herself to see who had arrived at the door. The faint creak of the floorboard under her weight echoed in the otherwise silent house.
"Those damned tax collectors," her mother hissed under her breath, her tone sharp with irritation as she turned to leave.
"Tax collectors?" I forced the words from my throat, whispering them internally, though no sound actually left my lips. My eyes stayed glued to Laila, trying to make sense of what I had just heard. How was that even possible?
