Flashback...
"Whatever you do, rember—no one must know about the gift you possess, Laura," a woman cloaked in a flowing white veil said firmly. Her face remained hidden beneath the veil.
"Great Mother of the Light, suppressor of all mind listeners, I will abide by all your warnings," Laura responded solemnly, bowing low in reverence. She was dressed in a pure white gown, her expression serious and composed.
"This is your first mission," the woman said, her voice gentler now. "So of the council elders argued that you’re too young, but I gave this task to you because I believe in your potential. Please, don’t disappoint ."
"I promise, I won’t. I’ll carry out this mission successfully," Laura replied with clear determination.
The woman nodded, then turned her back and walked slowly to her seat. "Many have co to the world of the Listeners of the Mind to be initiated. But you— you were born with it. I’ve had high expectations of you since then. Prove right."
"I was born a listener of the mind, with powers far beyond it," Laura stated boldly. "I’ve dedicated my life to the service of this family. I will make you proud, Great Mother."
Laura stood tall, courage burning in her eyes as she departed the Temple of the Listeners of the Mind and Truth.
Back to the present...
Three years had passed since then. Laura had hidden her identity successfully and avoided suspicion. But despite her efforts, she hadn’t achieved anything tangible. Today, she was determined to change that.
"It’s ti," she whispered to herself, standing from the bed, slipping on her shoes, and heading out—skipping breakfast entirely.
About fifteen minutes later, she arrived at college. As usual, her friends were already waiting for her.
She hopped out of the car and hurried over to them. The three girls exchanged hugs and cheerful greetings.
"Laura the latecor! You weren’t like this before, girl. Looks like you’re trying to steal Maria’s late-coming crown," Cassandra teased playfully. The girls burst into laughter.
"Don’t worry, I’ll turn over a new leaf. No more late arrivals!" Laura laughed, holding her friends as they headed to class.
Once they got to class, the casual chitchat continued.
"This is our final year. We’re graduating soon—I can’t wait to be done!" Cassandra said with a joyful laugh.
"So, what are your plans after graduation?" Laura asked, turning her gaze toward Maria.
Maria looked caught off-guard. She hadn’t expected such a question—and truthfully, she had no plans at all.
"Honestly? I have no idea. I’m just... blank," she admitted with a sigh, her mood visibly dimming.
"We know you’ve been through a lot, but are you just going to accept this fate and live at their rcy?" Cassandra asked, concern in her voice.
Before Maria could reply, Laura chid in. "Maria, I know it hasn’t been easy. But you’ve given up too quickly. Or do you actually like the life you’re living now?"
Maria hesitated. She hadn’t even told them about where Beta Gilbert had taken her recently.
Still undecided whether to share or not, she was startled when Laura added, "I know you have a lot on your mind, and I’m sure you’ve discovered so new things. I won’t press you to talk, but please don’t give up. You can fight through and win."
Those words sparked sothing in Maria. Her courage returned, her heart stirred.
But one thing nagged her.
’How did Laura know? Was she just being thoughtful... or did she know sothing more?’ Maria wondered, her thoughts spiraling.
Before she could piece anything together, one of the lecturers walked in. The class settled for their first lecture.
Laura, now seated, glanced sideways at Maria with a faint smile.
I must not let Maria—or anyone—know that I’ve been seeing through their thoughts. I just hope she makes the right choices, she thought silently.
As the lecture went on, Jas walked in late. The lecturer raised an eyebrow.
"Why are you late, Jas?"
"I’m sorry, ma’am. I was here since 7 a.m., but I felt unwell and had to visit the clinic. I’m just returning, but I feel better now," Jas explained politely.
Given his reputation as a bright student, he was allowed to join the class.
The mont Maria heard Jas say he wasn’t feeling well, her eyes locked on him. She couldn’t focus on the lecture anymore.
She waited impatiently for the class to end so she could rush to his side.
As soon as the lecture was over, their eyes t and she dashed to him, a smile spreading across her face, though no words ca out.
Jas offered a small smile, but when she remained silent, he furrowed his brows.
"Why have you co over here? Is there sothing you want to tell ?" he asked, avoiding direct eye contact.
His tone made Maria feel slightly embarrassed. She had hoped for more attention from him.
She said nothing, still staring at him.
Eventually, Jas gave in. "Maria, how are you doing?" he asked gently.
"I’m not fine," she responded flatly, not eting his gaze.
"What’s wrong, my angel?" he asked with unexpected softness.
Maria lted a little inside. His voice alone comforted her.
"It’s your health... It was embarrassing hearing about it with the whole class. I should’ve been the first to know anything concerning you in this school," she said, her voice tinged with jealousy.
Jas paused, struggling to respond.
"I’m sorry. It all started this morning when I arrived and you weren’t around. But I’m fine now," he said gently.
Maria felt relieved, even cherished. But then she noticed sothing.
Turning slightly, she saw her friends staring at her from behind.
Her eyes widened.
Did I give too much away? Do they now know about and Jas? she wondered, heart pounding.
From across the room, Laura watched.
Why is Maria involved with both Jas and Bernard? I hope she knows what she’s doing, she thought, having quietly listened to Maria’s thoughts yet again...
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