An Extra’s POV

Gratiana gritted her teeth as she walked behind Rey Skylar.

She had her head somewhat lowered, as it hung shamefully on her shoulders while she contemplated everything that just happened.

"Haa… haaa…"

Steamy breaths escaped her lips with every step she took, and every second or two, she would lift her gaze to look at the man who walked a couple of inches from her. She desperately wanted to close the gap and access what she was denied, but—

'No! What am I thinking? Why am I… what would the girls think?!'

Gratiana tried her best to hide the immense guilt that was bubbling up within her, but it was getting too much to bear. A few moments ago, when Rey told her about the return of the Young Ones, she was disappointed.

It was only for a split second, but she certainly thought:

'Why did they have to return now?!'

As an Elder, she should have been elated by their safe return. Yet, she selfishly indulged in a bet that put so much on the line. Instead of rushing to rescue them, she instead conversed with the perpetrator of all these evils.

Gratiana felt awful beyond measure.

'They're my responsibility… yet I abandoned them.' Her thoughts trailed as she watched Rey exit the Fortress. She felt reluctant to do the same.

'How can I even face them?'

She simply wanted to stay back and hide herself in the shadows; at least, until she had worked up the courage to face her little sisters.

Unfortunately—

~VWUSH~

no choice

fraction of a second, she stood right beside Rey, who placed his arm around her as he smiled confidently at the Elves

it was difficult for her to render a single word or action in reaction to

whisper to her, and

looked at the incoming

with all manner of entrails. Still, they remained unfazed by it

lethal weapons as they approached with a battle-hardened glare proved

look innocent

her—but

I don't believe this." She whispered, staring at the group

believe it even if it is right in

"I… I can't…"

eye made her body react accordingly—almost as if it completely knew what to do with just a single

by that, but he simply stood still, allowing the girls

are you planning? Girls!

as much as a single word. They didn't even glance at her—or Rey for that

It puzzled Gratiana instantly.

or hear us. I wouldn't want you to interfere with what you're about to witness with your own eyes." He narrowed his eye

little sisters stopped short of the Fortress and then

a moment, they

they all stopped moving, and Gratiana didn't understand why. She was able to know every little thing that went on in

"What are they doi—?"

~BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!~

question, bright bursts of energy in many forms—fire, lightning, light, or sheer explosions—charged from the weapons of these girls

a deafening eruption, as well as the utter obliteration of the towering construct that both Rey and Gratiana previously

they blew it up. Shouldn't their first thoughts be to save you through non-lethal means?" Rey spoke in a low tone as Gratiana covered

the horror she