Chapter 38

Author POV

"What else do you want from me? You can't just conjure up Evelyn in the blink of an eye!" Arla groaned in frustration, pacing back and forth with tension, sweat dripping from her hairline. She clenched her fists and banged on the window of the abandoned warehouse, which allowed a sliver of light to enter from outside.

"Kiara, do something to illuminate Evelyn and stop hemming and hawing!" she exclaimed. Kiara's eyes blazed with anger as she kept her gaze fixed on Arla, her leg resting on a dusty table, which she subtly wiggled to adjust her position.

"Kiara's eyes flashed with a fierce intensity, but she remained silent, her gaze fixed on Arla. The air was thick with tension as the two women faced off, the only sound being the creaking of the old warehouse and the distant hum of the city. Suddenly, Kiara spoke up, her voice low and husky. 'You want to illuminate Evelyn? Fine. But you have to trust me.' Arla's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with doubts.

"I can't work with you again, Arla. You're such a hypocrite," Kiara said, her voice laced with disdain. "Imagine two ladies coming into my store, and their gossip was all about how I conspired with you to break down Laura's relationship with Damian. I'm done, Arla." Kiara spat out the words, her eyes closed as she savored the liquor, the pungent smell mixing with the numbing effects of the alcohol coursing down her spine.

"Arla's face twisted in anger, her eyes blazing with defiance. 'You're just mad because your little scheme didn't work,' she sneered, her voice dripping with venom. Kiara's eyes snapped open, her gaze locking onto Arla with a fierce intensity.

'You have no idea what I'm capable of,' she hissed, her voice low and menacing. 'You think you're the only one who can play games? I've been watching you and enduring your nonsense but I can't princess.

"You can't do what, exactly?" Arla asked, her voice laced with sarcasm. "It's never an option, is it? Either you obey me or get yourself ready to leave this world," Arla threatened, her voice low and even, her breath hot on Kiara's neck. Kiara mocked, "Oh mom, your words scare the hell out of me, please..." She clung to herself, pleading in a mocking tone, "Hahahaha... Arla, your threats are nothing." Kiara continued to sip her alcohol, her eyes never leaving Arla's face.

"Anger entirely swept over her, and she collected the bottle of liquor, smashing it on the floor. The cracking sound echoed through the empty warehouse. Kiara couldn't contain the pressure of her rage, and her hand shot out, punching Arla in the ribs with a loud groan, like a lioness. She hesitantly pushed Arla onto a dusty, abandoned carton filled with metals, the sound of scraping and clattering echoing through the space."

"Arla groaned, her eyes fluttering open as she struggled to catch her breath. Kiara stood over her, her chest heaving with exertion, her eyes blazing with anger. 'You should have stayed out of my business, Arla,' she spat, her voice venomous. Arla coughed, her ribs aching from the punch. 'You're...you're just like your guidance,' she gasped, her eyes filled with hatred.

"Kiara's face twisted in rage, and she raised her hand, ready to strike again. But then she froze as Arla shouted, 'Get your hands off my hips, you bitch!' Arla pushed Kiara away, causing her to stumble backward and lose her balance. Kiara fell to the ground, giving Arla the opportunity to gain the upper hand. She seized the moment, pinning Kiara down and pounding her fists into Kiara's face, her anger and adrenaline fueling her attacks."

"Kiara's eyes blurred as Arla's fists struck her again and again, her head spinning with each impact. She tried to defend herself, but Arla's anger was too fierce, too intense. Just when it seemed like Arla would kill her, she suddenly stopped, her chest heaving with exhaustion. Kiara lay there, dazed and bleeding, as Arla stood up and walked away, leaving her alone in the darkness of the warehouse."

"Her steps hastened, Kiara felt a surge of fear as she realized Arla was bleeding profusely and might not survive. Her voice was cold and detached as she called out for help, but her words were laced with a hint of panic.

The ground where Kiara had been lying was flooded with blood, pooling out like a dark red lake. Kiara's heart raced as she stumbled towards Arla's motionless form, her own injuries forgotten in her desperation to save her enemy."

"I'm so sorry, Kiara. I didn't mean for this to happen. I was only trying to defend myself," Arla spoke softly, her voice laced with regret and concern. She tried to help Kiara up, but Kiara's body was limp and heavy, her eyes closing shut as she struggled to stay conscious.

Arla's face was etched with worry and guilt, her hands shaking as she tried to stem the flow of blood from Kiara's wounds. "No, Kiara, please don't leave me. I didn't mean for it to go this far," Arla pleaded, her voice cracking with emotion.

Arla's words fell on deaf ears as Kiara's eyes fluttered closed, her body going limp in Arla's arms. Panic set in as Arla realized the gravity of the situation. She had never meant for things to go this far. With a surge of adrenaline, Arla scooped up Kiara's lifeless form and dashed out of the warehouse.

As she ran through the streets, Arla's mind raced with thoughts of regret and fear. What had she done? Would Kiara survive? The questions swirled in her head like a maelstrom, threatening to consume her.