Chapter 30 The Price Of Knowledge

• Evee’s eyes shot open to the sound of a loud commotion piercing the stillness of her room. Her body jolted as the door swung violently on its hinges, slamming against the wall. Instinctively, she reached out for Justina, only to find the other side of the bed cold and empty. Panic set in as she stumbled to her cloak, patting it down twice with trembling hands before realizing the book was missing.
• Taking a deep, steadying breath, Evee composed herself and stepped out into the corridor. The noise grew louder, chaotic voices merging into an unintelligible roar. As she emerged into the open, her heart sank. A mob had gathered, their anger palpable, faces twisted with rage and betrayal. At the forefront stood Justina, gripping the book high above her head like a trophy. By their reactions, it was clear they had some idea of the book’s contents.
• “We won’t stand by and watch you use us as your playthings anymore!” Justina roared, her voice cutting through the chaos. The crowd erupted in agreement, their collective anger washing over Evee like a tidal wave. Still groggy from her interrupted nap, Evee wiped at her eyes, trying to focus.