The moment Alicia excused herself, offering me a sheepish good luck as she disappeared through the door, my stomach tightened.
My usual confidence faltered as I was left alone with Maeve, her striking violet eyes locked onto me with unnerving intensity.
Her presence filled the room in a way that made me feel like a cornered animal though a very curious one.
"Follow me," she said simply, her tone a mixture of command and allure that sent a shiver down my spine.
I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. As she turned and strode out of the room, her heels clicking sharply against the tile, I hurried to keep up, clutching my bag to my chest.
My fingers brushed against the pouch where I'd tucked the poison, and for a moment, my resolve steadied. This was a mission, I reminded myself. I had a plan.
We entered a smaller, more intimate kitchen, far removed from the bustling main classroom.
