Elsie's POV

"Madriod, we need to talk," I said, my voice steady but firm as I stood in the doorway of the library.

He looked up from the worn leather-bound book in his hands, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly. "This sounds serious," he said, leaning back in his chair. "What’s on your mind, Elsie?"

I stepped inside, closing the door behind me to ensure our conversation stayed private. My heart pounded, but I masked my nerves with determination. "I need to go out and find Mia," I declared. "I have to understand why she’s doing this to me..why she’s using her magic to manipulate me."

Madriod’s brows furrowed, and I...