Page 33 of Unmasked Prophecy

“Nia? What...”

I put a hand up, hoping to let her know I’m not here to cause problems. “I just want to talk. I promise.”

Her eyes dart nervously, and she takes a step back. “You shouldn’t be here. I shouldn’t be speaking to you.”

“Please,” I beg, my voice urgent. “I just need to know if she’s okay. I need to know if they’ve hurt her.”

It’s not all I need to know, but it is the first thing that comes to my mind. The first thought.

Miriam’s face is tight, her eyes filled with something I can’t quite place—fear, maybe, or pity. “You know I can’t tell you that.”

Frustration bubbles in my chest.

“You can tell me. Nobody knows I’m here. Nobody will know you have spoken to me. God dammit, just tell me.”

She hesitates, her hands twisting together. “Nia, I don’t know...”

“Please,” I whisper, my voice breaking. “I just need to know she’s safe.”

Her shoulders sag slightly, and I can only pray that means she’s giving in.

She swallows, glancing around once more before smoothing down her pale cream dress. A dress that covers every part of her, including her neck. Women aren’t allowed to show skin when they are out. “They’re angry, Nia. You left, and they’re making sure everyone knows it. The child is... She’s weak, you know that.”

I curse, angry and hurt. “What have they done?”

“They haven’t hurt her, but they aren’t taking care of her. She’s still sick, really unwell. If you don’t return soon, Nia, they will let her die. You know they will.”

I suck in a breath, my heart twisting in pain.

I have to get her out. “I need you to help me get her out. Miriam, you’re the only one who can. Please. Imagine this was your child. She needs help.”

Silence stretches between us, thick and heavy. I can see the war in her eyes, the conflict tearing at her. It feels like an eternity before she finally speaks.

“I can’t do that. It’s not safe,” she says, her voice low. “If they find out...”

“They won’t,” I cut in. “I’ll make sure of it. We have a plan. I won’t let you get hurt for this. I just need you to help me get her out. That’s it.”

She presses her lips together. “They’ll know. I’m the only one who cares for the kids.”

“It will work, trust me. I promise this won’t touch you.”

She stares around again, her face conflicted.

“Please, Miriam. I will never ask anything of you again. She means so much to me.”

She exhales. “I’ll help you, but only because I can’t bear to see her like this. She shouldn’t be punished for your actions.”

Her words sting, but I could scream with relief.

“Thank you,” I breathe.

She hesitates. “What’s the plan?”

"The club will create a distraction near the compound, get everyone rushing out. You will be ordered to take the children to safety. Then, you need to rush Lily to the far corner where the crops are, it's the only place the cameras don't reach. I'll be there waiting."

It all comes out in a rush, and I can only hope she understands what I'm asking. What I'm begging her to do.

She bites her lip, eyes darting wildly. "The crops? It's risky. If someone notices me running off, or finds out I left the kids alone...”

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