Counterfeit ✓

Chapter 34

AFTER THE INCIDENT in prison, Mila paced around in the tree house. Both Stephen and Amy were nowhere around, and their absence pushed the burden off her shoulders. Mila twisted a strand of her hair around her finger, staring at the reflection in the mirror hanging on the wall.

In recent weeks, the color disappeared from her face, only a pale skin color showed on her face. Bags were visible under her eyes. Her lips cracked from the stress. Mila leaned her hands on the closet, clasping the edge. This situation had to end quickly. She no longer endured the lies and certainly didn't accept how her friends sat in a cold prison without food or drinks.

Just then, Elody appeared in the treehouse. "We need to talk. Stephen and Amy are gone."

"They trust us enough?"

"I bribed a guard. Sit down."

Elody pointed to the chair and then filled a glass with water that she slid over the table once she closed the tap. She also plopped down on a chair, leaning on the top of the table. She didn't blink once.

Mila moved awkwardly back and forth. "What do you want?"

"You're not made to fool anyone. You're betraying yourself to the enemy."

"How do you know?" Mila crossed her arms over her chest. "I can defend myself."

"You can't do it. I made a plan. You can leave tonight with Oliver and Thomas."

"We won't make it in the forest. Thomas is injured."

"You won't make it here either. Amy keeps a close watch on you."

Mila raised her hand. "You're helping me. Why?"

"Stephen lost his way. I don't want to end up like him anymore. He once believed in our freedom."

"He'll kill you."

Elody smiled. "You're worth it."

The words of her once enemy touched her. Mila's throat thickened. Right now, she didn't respond; she didn't know how to express her appreciation toward Elody. Somehow, she knew she could no longer stay in camp. Every second could mean her death.

"Tonight seems like the best time," Elody said. "Stephen and Amy-"

Mila interrupted her. "They're gone. You mentioned it before. Where are they going to?"

"I don't know. I saw how they left camp."

"They can come back."

"They seemed to stay away for a long time."

For a minute, Mila thought. It was rather easy for Elody to convince her and pretend she was on Oliver's side, but Mila wasn't allowed to forget she once believed Stephen. His power couldn't just be broken. Mila simply didn't believe in Elody sticking with Oliver's side.

"Okay. Show me what I need to do."

She took a different approach. Elody thought she was weak, but Mila was stronger than people believed. She had already defeated several enemies and wasn't willing to give up until she also pulled Stephen into the depths.

"I talk to the guard. You free Oliver and Thomas. The camp is empty. Nobody dares to come out on the street."

"Guards are circling."

"They're listening to me."

Mila tilted her head. It sounded rather ridiculous. She didn't even understand that Elody believed her own lie. Breathing in and out, Mila pushed her chair back. From now on, she had to play the game flawlessly. Stephen underestimated her control.