Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

When Sylvia came to, she was already wearing a fresh set of clothes, thanks to Naomi and a nurse. Even the blood in her hair had been carefully washed away. Damp strands clung to her cheeks, giving her a fragile, haunting beauty-but her eyes were empty, vacant, like a marionette with its strings cut.

Chris sat next to her, his head bowed as he gently clipped away the curled dead skin around her fingers. The moment she twitched, he looked up, voice soft and reassuring. "Almost done, promise. Just hang in there, okay?"

Sylvia nodded numbly, then asked in a hollow voice, "How's Bridget?"

Chris hesitated before answering, "She... lost the baby. Had a lot of bleeding, but she's stable now." He sounded strained, as if the words hurt.

Sylvia clenched her jaw so hard it looked painful, her fingers digging into the edge of the hospital bed. She nodded, then shook her head, as if trying to sort through her thoughts.

"I didn't push her," she said quietly.

Chris glanced up, surprise flickering in his eyes at her deadened tone. He hesitated, wanting to say something more, but just then, the door swung open.

Bridget entered, wheeled in by Miriam. She looked pale and exhausted, wrapped in a fleece blanket. But when her eyes met Sylvia's, there was a strange softness -almost forgiveness.

"Sylvia, are you alright?" Bridget said, her voice gentle. "I heard what happened outside the OR. I know it wasn't your fault. I don't blame you."

before, but the performance was almost laughable this time. She let out

know as well as I do I

icy anger. The bitter smile on her lips made her whole aura

she suddenly

winced, unable to pull

are getting married. You have to let this go! I'm not even blaming you for

down harder on Sylvia's injury as she

pain, yanking

crashing against the end of the bed and accidentally

straight to a

walk down the aisle in what's

realization dawning. This was what Bridget

her wheelchair, gave her a smug little smile- only to quickly swap it for a shimmering, tearful gaze when others looked over. "Sylvia,

Helena stood

This was just like

every direction. Her chest tightened, the metallic taste of fear and