The Masks We Wear

As Avery knelt by Damien's bleeding form, the words of the Puppet Master echoed in her thoughts. Sirens wailed in the distance, getting closer.

"Run, Avery," Damien exclaimed, his gaze flashing. "Don't let them win."

After one last look at the masked guy, Avery escaped. Her feet pounded the pavement as she dashed through the shadowy campus, her mind a tornado of uncertainty and panic.

She found herself at the door to her dorm room, fumbling with shaky hands to unlock it. Once inside, Avery leaned against the closed door, dropping to the floor as the excitement left her body.

Her phone vibrated. Lucas texted: "Where are you?" "Are you safe?"

Avery focused on the screen, her thumb lingering above the reply button. Who did she text as? What about the dedicated student? The skilled assassin? The possible criminal leader?

She flung the phone away and buried her face in her fists. How did everything get so tangled?