Chapter One-Hundred Thirty-Five: Stephanie's Promise: Bringing Her Sister Home, Alive

Stephanie’s Perspective:

I pursued my mother with frantic swiftness, only to witness her collapse on the bed, consumed by sobs. Clumsily, with the oversize belly of my pregnancy obstructing me, I nestled beside her. My arms, awkwardly encircling her, offered a solace that was as much for me as it was for her.

In that embrace, my own heart shattered, echoing her grief. A tormenting thought plagued me: what if Crystal hadn’t been swayed by dark influences? Could we truly contribute to the war effort when our own emotions were a battlefield? The uncertainty gnawed at me, yet a perilous resolve took root – to seek out Crystal myself. But Brock, with his hawk-like vigilance, would never grant his consent. I would have to engineer my own escape, shrouded in secrecy.

The ruse would require a diversion. I'd enlist Agatha – her allegiance was an unpredictable thing, loyal only to her mother. II could rest easy, knowing