★It makes it better★

~CHAPTER 36~

"So basically," Aria began, dragging on her cigarette, the ember glowing bright red in the dim light of the alley.

She puffed out a stream of smoke as she continued, her voice measured and thoughtful.

"You mean, you were kidnapped, held captive, and forced into slavery before you finally managed to escape," she summarized, her eyes narrowing slightly as she studied me.

We sat in silence for a moment, enveloped by the stillness of the night. The only sounds were the distant hum of the city, a constant, soothing drone that vibrated through every cell in my body; the soft crackle of Aria's cigarette, and the light conversations from the other people present, their murmurs and laughter carrying on the breeze.

They didn't pay us a glance nor did they even try listening or adding to our conversation. They all minded their business, leaving us to our private moment.