As we reached outside, Alpha Evon carried me to a secluded spot away from the festivities, just far enough that the muffled music from the main hall faded into a gentle backdrop. The night air was crisp, filled with the buzz from the media still standing outside and taking pictures. They were far from us now, but I could still see them lingering at the edge of the lawn, their cameras flashing.
He finally set me down on the cool grass, his hands lingering on my arms for a moment, grounding me as I adjusted to the shift in the atmosphere.
I could still hear them. The sounds of those men laughing as they bound that girl to that spinning wheel. I fought to steady my breath, but it was futile; panic twisted in my chest, tightening its grip.
Tears spilled down my cheeks and I covered my mouth
