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~

had no choice in the

his arm around her

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

She heard Rey whisper to her,

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

were stained with blood, and they were dripping with all manner of entrails. Still, they remained unfazed

with a battle-hardened glare proved just how ready they were for combat—perhaps something

eyes look

felt it within her—but

She whispered, staring at the group

if it

"I… I can't…"

eye made her body react accordingly—almost as if it completely

figured 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

you planning? Girls! My sisters! Are you

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

It puzzled Gratiana instantly.

you to interfere with what you're about to witness with your

little sisters stopped

a moment, they

every

"What are they doi—?"

~BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!~

forms—fire, lightning, light, or sheer explosions—charged from the weapons of these girls as they fired

utter obliteration of the towering construct

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

the horror she