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

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

difficult for her to render a single word or action in reaction to it all. She could only take

heard Rey whisper

at the incoming girls

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

as they approached with a battle-hardened

those eyes look

her—but

staring at the group

even if it

"I… I can't…"

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

it to you—right here and now." Gratiana didn't know what he meant by that, but he simply stood still,

you planning? Girls! My sisters!

without uttering as much as a single word. They didn't even glance at

It puzzled Gratiana instantly.

you're about to witness with your own

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

a moment, they were

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

"What are they doi—?"

~BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!~

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

eruption, as well as the utter obliteration of the towering construct that both Rey and

be to save you through non-lethal means?" Rey spoke in a low tone

at the