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~

choice in

right beside Rey, who placed his arm around her as he smiled confidently at the

stunned Gratiana so much that it was difficult for her to render a single word or action in reaction to it all. She could only take

She heard Rey whisper

looked at the incoming girls and

and they were dripping with all manner of

a battle-hardened glare proved just how ready they

eyes look innocent to you

it—even felt it within her—but she didn't want to

I don't believe this." She whispered, staring at the group that now reached the forefront of

if it is right in front

"I… I can't…"

look at her.His glowing red eye made her body react

know what he meant by that, but he simply stood still, allowing the girls to approach even further. They

planning? Girls!

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

It puzzled Gratiana instantly.

want you to interfere with what you're about to witness with your own eyes." He narrowed

the spectating; observing as her little sisters stopped short

moment,

know every little thing that went on in the minds of her Youngs,

"What are they doi—?"

~BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!~

forms—fire, lightning, light, or sheer explosions—charged from the weapons of

deafening eruption, as well as the utter obliteration

Shouldn't their first thoughts be to save you through non-lethal means?" Rey spoke

at the