Ava's POV
As the guards led Eliza away, I stood there, torn between trust and suspicion. Damien's words echoed in my mind, but doubt gnawed at my heart.
I followed them, keeping a short distance. I needed to know what was happening to Eliza. As they reached a dimly lit corridor, Damien turned and noticed me trailing behind.
"Ava, you can't be here," he said, his voice firm but not unkind.
"I can't leave her," I replied, my resolve strengthening. "I need to see this through."
Damien sighed. "It's not safe for you. The cleansing process is... intense. You could get hurt."
"I don't care," I shot back, my voice rising. "I won't abandon her."
Damien glanced at the guards, then back at me. "Fine. But stay back. Don't interfere."
I nodded, relief washing over me. As we continued, the stra
