Chapter 17

Anna's POV

As the evening sun dipped below the horizon, casting an ethereal glow over the city, I found myself alone in the sanctuary of my study. The room was adorned with shelves of books, their spines worn and weathered, a testament to the knowledge and wisdom they contained. A fire crackled in the hearth, casting dancing shadows upon the walls, as I sat at my desk, engrossed in my work.

The soft chime of my phone disrupted the silence, and I glanced at the screen to see a message notification. Curiosity piqued, I unlocked my phone and read the cryptic message that appeared before me. It was from an unknown sender, their identity shrouded in secrecy. The words sent a shiver down my spine, for they spoke of a traitor in our midst, a threat to everything I held dear.

"Beware, Anna," the message read. "There is a snake in your garden. Trust no one."

My heart quickened its pace, and a surge of adrenaline coursed through my veins. Who could have sent this message? And why? The mere thou