From the moment Maria woke up from the terrifying nightmare, an unusual feeling settled deep in her chest. Something felt off.
Still sitting on the bed, her mouth felt dry, and a strange thirst nagged at her. With a sigh, she stood up and quietly left her room, heading toward the kitchen to grab a glass of water.
It was the only place she could get a drink at that odd hour of the night. As she descended the staircase, faint voices drifted up from the living room.
Maria froze.
Her curiosity kicked in immediately—who could be up and having a conversation at around 2 a.m.? And what could be so important to discuss at such a late hour?
She tiptoed softly down the remaining stairs, pressing herself close to the wall as she neared the voices. Carefully, she leaned in just enough to hear the conversation clearly.
One voice she immediately recognized: Beta Gilbert. But the second voice was unfamiliar.
