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Author’s POV
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The Berrigan Residence
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A heavy silence blankets the four as Aleksandr’s words linger in the air like a bitter chill. Orla and Fionn sit frozen, their expressions blank, as though they are waiting for Aleksandr to burst out laughing and tell them that they have been the subject of a cruel joke, but he doesn't. Instead, overcome by remorse, he leans closer to them and whispers that he’s sorry.
Time passes slowly before suddenly, Orla feels a tightness in her chest and starts breathing rapidly. She panics, clutching at her throat, her body getting overwhelmed by emotions as Aleksandr's revelation sinks in. Fionn, his eyes brimming with tears,
