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."

had seen Bridget's theatrics before, but the performance was almost laughable this time. She let out a cold, brittle

me? You know as well as

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

faltered, tears gliding down her cheeks. Ignoring Sylvia's resistance, she suddenly grabbed

winced, unable to

Mr. Rupert, but he and I are getting married. You have to let this go! I'm not even blaming you

Sylvia's injury as she tried to stand

yanking her hand

the end of the bed and

a

month, Mr. Rupert and Bridget will walk down the aisle in what's being

realization dawning.

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

had gathered at the door. Helena stood

felt like she'd been transported back in time. This was just

chest tightened, the metallic taste of fear and anger rising in her