The Camouflaged Friends

The Price of Truth

Hazel P.O.V.

As I waited for Liam outside school, I saw Kai coming towards me. He greeted me, saying, "Hi Hazel, it's been a while." I looked him in the eye and replied, "Kai, don't pretend to be clever. I know everything about you."

He tried to explain himself, saying, "I have a reason for what I did. I'm not from this world. I come from another world called Origens. I am the king there, and I have the power to make someone immortal. That's why I came here. Initially, I thought Lily was the right choice to be queen, but after she killed her own brother, I realized she was selfish and not suitable for the role. But you, Hazel, you're different. You are the one destined for it."

His words surprised me, and I needed time to think. Just then, I spotted Liam and left without saying anything else. Kai's revelation left me deep in thought as I walked away.

The other day, I went to Lily's room and knocked her door. 

"Please, come inside," Lily said softly.

"No, Lily, wait," I replied cautiously. She turned towards me, looking tired.

"I need to ask you something. If Aiden didn't do anything, then who is responsible for the murders?" I asked, hoping for an explanation. Her face turned pale, sending a shiver down my spine.

"It was me," Lily confessed. The words hung in the air, and I struggled to understand what she had just admitted.

"But why? Why did you do it?" I asked, my voice trembling.

Kai is an immortal being, and he has the power to make others immortal," she explained forcefully. "I would do anything to become immortal myself," she said, her tone aggressive.

"What are you saying, Lily? But that day, when you were with me, we saw Aiden leaving his room," I stammered, trying to comprehend everything.

"It was Kai," she revealed before I could finish my sentence. Fear gripped me, and my hands trembled uncontrollably. Without saying another word, I turned and saw Liam standing nearby. I approached him, my voice trembling with a mix of anger and despair.

"Did you know about all this?" I demanded to know, and Liam nodded silently. Tears began streaming down my cheeks, and I couldn't contain my emotions any longer.

"Yeah, I did," Liam admitted, his voice filled with remorse. Overwhelmed by betrayal, I shouted at them, my voice filled with pain and anger. "All of you... all of you betrayed me and Aiden!" I stormed into my room, slamming the door shut behind me. I sank down, leaning against the door, and began to cry. Through my tears, I mumbled to myself, "I'm sorry, Aiden. Please forgive me." The words repeated over and over as my heart ached with regret.                

After I calmed down, my mind raced with questions. "Why did Liam betray me and Aiden? What could be his reason?" I wondered. However, I didn't feel brave enough to confront Liam and hear his side of the story just yet. The sadness inside me was overwhelming, and it affected my appetite. I went to sleep without eating dinner, my mind still troubled by the betrayal.           

(To be contd.......)

................................................................................................................................................................