Caroline closed her eyes, clenching her fists. The Witch’s voice echoed in her mind once again, mocking and cruel.
“Look at how they stare at you. Like you’re a ticking time bomb. They’ll never trust you. And they’re right not to.”
“Shut up!” Caroline thought forcefully, but the Witch only laughed.
“Oh, dear. You can’t silence me. I’m in every corner of your being. Do you think Ezra will protect you forever? That this group will accept you once they know the truth?”
The Witch’s words were like poison, seeping into her thoughts. Caroline felt her resolve faltering, but a firm hand on her shoulder pulled her out of her spiral.
“Caroline,” Ezra said softly. His eyes sought hers, full of a mix of concern and strength. “You don’t have to face this alone.”
“They’ll never trust me,” Carolin
