Dark Haven Illusion - I. T. Lucas Page 0,1

going on in her head, and whether the voices she was hearing were real or the product of a diseased mind.

Ana and her father disagreed on most things, but they were of the same mind when it came to seeking psychiatric help.

Nothing good would come out of it.

So far, she’d managed to live a pretty normal life despite her problem, so there was no reason to tarnish her future with a psychiatric diagnosis, which was most likely schizophrenia.

“Why psychology?” Margaret asked.

“I would like to help people.”

That was the answer the counselor probably expected, and it was also partially true. Helping herself was the main reason, but helping others could potentially bring meaning to her bleak life.

“That’s an excellent goal, and it is also what Safe Haven is all about. With our help, you will be able to bridge the gap between what is actual and what is possible. By promoting integrated growth in spirit, body, and mind, we will help you realize your full potential, and in turn, you and our other graduates will work toward the betterment of society at large.”

It was almost word for word the mission statement on their website, but somehow it sounded more real when spoken with such absolute conviction. If Margaret believed in it so wholeheartedly, perhaps it was more than a slogan and was actually attainable.

“Like paying it forward?”

Eyes sparkling with fervor, Margaret nodded. “Precisely. We provide you with the tools to become the best possible version of yourself, and once you achieve that ultimate state of being, you will become a beacon of light for others. That’s how our message will spread until it engulfs the whole of humanity.” She leaned forward. “Imagine a world with no boundaries, where the ultimate goal of the individual is realizing her or his full potential and helping others achieve the same, where money and status are irrelevant, where poverty and crime do not exist, and where everyone is fulfilled and happy.”

Despite her natural skepticism, Ana couldn’t help but feel her heart swell with hope.

The utopia Margaret had described was probably unattainable. But even if only a small part of that became true, everyone’s future would be brighter, and who wouldn’t want that?

2

Kian

“I can’t believe that the lesbian thing backfired.” Kri threw her hands in the air.

To say that she was upset was an understatement. The Guardian was fuming, and Kian couldn’t fault her for it. Kri had been looking forward to her joint mission with Eleanor.

The two had struck up an unlikely friendship for reasons Kian couldn’t fathom. Eleanor was as likable as a rattlesnake.

Evidently though, Kri had found qualities in the woman she could appreciate.

“Isn’t Safe Haven supposed to be all about free love and inclusion?” Leaning back in the conference chair, Kri folded her arms over her chest. “I should sue them for discrimination.”

With what they were charging for the two-week retreat, Kian hadn’t expected any of the applicants to be rejected, and he’d been right about that. What none of them had anticipated though, was that not everyone would be invited for the same session.

“It’s not that they have anything against lesbians,” Turner said. “They have a thing against couples attending the retreat together.” The guy seemed just as puzzled, which was uncharacteristic. Usually, he had all the details figured out. “Curiously, this policy is nowhere to be found in their literature or on their website.”

“Not explicitly,” Eleanor said. “But they talk a lot about individual development. It’s all about unleashing latent capacity and becoming the best version of yourself. Maybe doing it with a partner hinders the progress.”

“That’s nonsense.” Kian waved a hand in dismissal. “Syssi makes everything better for me.”

“Humans are different.” Eleanor looked at Turner. “You were a human, and you were single for a long time. You know how it is.”

He nodded. “I get what you’re saying. Not all relationships are healthy, and some are even destructive. But it’s odd that the retreat separates couples. Usually, this is something that people do together.”

“So, what now?” Eleanor shifted her gaze to Kri. “Am I going in alone? Or are we canceling the whole thing?”

She hadn’t been told about Leon and Peter, who were supposed to join her and Kri on the mission. But now that Kri wasn’t going, Eleanor needed to be informed.

“You are not going in alone,” Kian said. “Luckily for us, Turner always has a contingency plan. We enrolled two more Guardians in the program, and they were both invited to the same session as you.”

Eleanor arched