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 in the

second, she stood right beside Rey, who placed his arm around her as he smiled confidently at the Elves who were fast approaching, right outside

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

now?" She heard Rey whisper to her,

even lower than ever as she looked at the incoming girls and the menacing

and they were dripping with all manner of entrails.

to their lethal weapons as they approached with a battle-hardened glare proved just how

eyes look innocent

it within her—but she didn't

the group that now reached the forefront of

believe it even if it

"I… I can't…"

turned back to look at her.His glowing red eye made her body react accordingly—almost as if it completely

as much. Which is why I'll show it to you—right here and now." Gratiana didn't know what he meant by that, but he simply stood still, allowing the girls to approach even further. They walked through the barrier like it was nothing, approaching him and Gratiana

are you planning? Girls! My sisters!

They didn't even glance at her—or Rey for that matter—but

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

moment, they were

to know every little thing that went on in the minds

"What are they doi—?"

~BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!~

question, bright bursts of energy in many forms—fire, lightning, light, or sheer

the utter obliteration of the towering construct that both Rey and Gratiana

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

trembled at the horror she was