Aruna refused to look away.
Even tied to a chair.
Even weakened.
Even drugged.
She would not look away from herself.
Because that was what the twin was.
Not a stranger.
Not an enemy.
A possibility.
A version of her that had never been forced to survive.
The twin circled her slowly.
Barefoot.
Silent.
Predatory.
Observing every breath. Every twitch. Every flicker of emotion.
“You’re studying me,” Aruna said.
The twin stopped behind her.
“Yes.”
Her voice was calm.
Controlled.
Perfect.
“I want to know what makes you different.”
Aruna let out a quiet breath.
“I chose.”
The twin tilted her head.
“That’s not an answer.”
“It’s the only answer.”
The twin stepped into her view again.
“You think choice makes you stronger?”
Aruna met her gaze.
“I know it does.”
The twin
