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."

seen Bridget's theatrics before, but the performance was almost laughable this

you blame me? You know as well

once dull, now flashed with icy anger. The bitter smile on her lips made her

Ignoring Sylvia's resistance, she suddenly grabbed Sylvia's hand-pinning it right over her

unable to

know you've always had a thing for Mr. Rupert, but he and I are getting married. You have to let this go! I'm not even blaming you for what happened to my baby. What else do you

down harder on Sylvia's injury as she tried

pain, yanking her hand free.

and accidentally hitting the remote The

to a live

month, Mr. Rupert and Bridget will walk down the

screen, realization dawning. This was what Bridget

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

gathered at the door. Helena stood at the front, her

just like before: Bridget's

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