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

his arm around her as he smiled confidently at the Elves who were fast approaching, right

scenery stunned Gratiana so much that it was difficult for her to render a single word

you see now?" She heard Rey whisper to her, and instantly her

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

with all

lethal weapons as they approached with a battle-hardened glare

look

it—even felt it within her—but

the group

even if it is right in front of

"I… I can't…"

look at her.His glowing red eye made her body react accordingly—almost as if it completely knew what to do

and now." Gratiana didn't know what he meant by that, but he simply stood still,

Girls!

as much as a single word. They didn't even glance at

It puzzled Gratiana instantly.

with what you're about to

observing as her little sisters stopped short of the Fortress and then stretched out their

moment,

was able to know every little thing that went on in the minds of her

"What are they doi—?"

~BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!~

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

deafening eruption, as well as the utter obliteration of

be to save you through non-lethal means?" Rey

the horror