Gemotions

The dog-eared copy of "Crimson Tides" lay open on Amelia’s lap, the scent of vanilla and old paper a comfort. A giddy lightness filled her. She'd devoured the novel three times in as many weeks, each time finding a new nuance, a fresh reason to adore Elara Thorne. Her heart fluttered when she thought of Elara, the way she wove words. Now, Amelia had news. An email from a friend, a link, a chilling accusation. Elara Thorne, the words seemed to say, was a thief. Amelia felt a coldness creep up her spine as she scrolled down to the comparison. Her own college story, published years before, nestled beside a chapter of "Crimson Tides". The plot, the phrasing, everything, were so similar.

Amelia felt like she'd been punched. She couldn't believe it. This had to be a mistake. She rubbed her eyes, blinking away the tears that threatened to spill over. Her chest was tight, a knot of confusion and hurt pressing against her ribs. She couldn't breathe.

She fumbled for her phone, her fingers trembling. She needed to know this wasn't true. She needed to hear Elara's voice, to somehow explain away this… this betrayal.