This is Not the world I live in

Stories hold power in this world that is so much likes ours but so different. Aradhya is a rare reader amongst her people. Capable of reading stories when she touches someone. But unlike the readers before her, she has not sought a reputation. Because the fatal flaw of her power forces her to view someones life through their distorted lense of emotions, not as an outsider. And it hurts more than it should. Alina is a mystery, her story is so different from those of the others Aradhya has encountered. But Alina doesn't seem to think so. She convinces Aradhya that she is no different than her. And all seems fine for a while....