chapter 22

ALTHEA let out a horrendous shriek when her eyes met the man's eyes for the first time. Her heart was pounding hard, and she was catching her breath as she found herself almost trapped in his domain.

She ran towards the gate, her hands sweating and trembling in a panic. When she successfully opened it, what greeted her was the thing she feared the most.

"Hopelessness."

Her eyes watered in desperation as the man came nearer and nearer to her. She sobbed hard as the man lifted her chin a little, staring into those black orbs of hers.

If only she could escape this hell.

* * *

ONLY THE sound of the teacup cluttering above the table engulfed the four corners of the room as the two of them remained silent. Althea, who was dumbfounded by the woman's sharp words, suddenly felt uncomfortable with her, knowing full well that she didn't seem friendly and inviting at all.

"Are you mute?" the woman continued to ask her, which reverted her back to reality. Immediately, she shook her head.

"N-No,"