Chapter 45. A Place for Escapees

[Elise’s POV]

I sit alone while Maria busies herself in the kitchen. With how easily she moves around, I begin to wonder whether or not she is actually blind, but when she bumps into the fridge and Tristan jumps up from his place on the floor in front of me and rushes to her while fussing, I know that she actually is. Even if she was trying to do her best without assistance, it was clear she still wasn't quite used to her surroundings.

Sighing, I relax in my seat and once again find myself wondering where exactly Denali knew Maria from and why it was so important to keep her hidden. And by the time she returns with our drinks, I’m chomping at the bit to ask everything I’m thinking.

Taking a seat across from me, Maria passes me one of the two cups she holds.

For a moment, I don’t move as I eye the liquid in front of me. Although I’m certain that she wouldn’t do anything since I was here on Denali’s behalf, I still can’t fight the thought that she may be slipp